The Autism Spectrum

2018 ◽  
pp. 243-260
Author(s):  
Marco Del Giudice
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
De Novo ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Repetitive Behaviors ◽  
Evolutionary Models ◽  
De Novo Mutations ◽  
Life History Variation ◽  
New Directions ◽  
Developmental Features

The chapter discusses autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Autism is defined by a triad of symptoms: impairments in social interaction, impairments in communication, and restricted/repetitive behaviors and interests. After an overview of this disorder, its developmental features, and the main risk factors identified in the epidemiological literature, the chapter critically reviews existing evolutionary models and suggests new directions for research. The final section applies the criteria developed earlier in the book to classify the disorder within the fast-slow-defense (FSD) model and identify functionally distinct subtypes. The author proposes to distinguish between a slow spectrum subtype with normal or high IQ and a major role of common alleles (S-ASD) and a subtype unrelated to life history variation, with high rates of intellectual disability and a major role of rare and de novo mutations (O-ASD).

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

2018 ◽  
pp. 353-366
Author(s):  
Marco Del Giudice
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder ◽  
Repetitive Behaviors ◽  
Evolutionary Models ◽  
Obsessive Compulsive ◽  
Compulsive Disorder ◽  
New Directions ◽  
Not Just Right Experiences ◽  
Harm Prevention ◽  
Developmental Features

The chapter discusses obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), a condition defined by the presence of intrusive mental contents (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions). After an overview of this disorder, its developmental features, and the main risk factors identified in the epidemiological literature, the chapter critically reviews existing evolutionary models and suggests new directions for research. The final section applies the criteria developed earlier in the book to classify the disorder within the fast-slow-defense (FSD) model and identify functionally distinct subtypes. The author proposes to distinguish between a female-biased defense activation subtype (D-OCD) primarily motivated by harm prevention and marked by elevated anxiety and/or disgust, and a male-biased slow spectrum subtype (S-OCD) primarily motivated by feelings of incompleteness and imperfection (“not just right” experiences).

Panic and Agoraphobia

2018 ◽  
pp. 340-346
Author(s):  
Marco Del Giudice
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Panic Disorder ◽  
Final Section ◽  
Panic Attacks ◽  
Secondary Response ◽  
Evolutionary Models ◽  
Autonomic Activity ◽  
Confined Spaces ◽  
New Directions ◽  
Developmental Features

The chapter discusses panic disorder and agoraphobia. Panic disorder is defined by recurring panic attacks, dramatic episodes in which a surge of autonomic activity is accompanied by rapidly escalating levels of fear and distress. Agoraphobia is the persistent fear of open or confined spaces, which often develops as a secondary response to panic attacks. After an overview of these disorders, their developmental features, and the main risk factors identified in the epidemiological literature, the chapter critically reviews existing evolutionary models and suggests new directions for research. The final section applies the criteria developed earlier in the book to classify the disorders within the FSD model. The author concludes that panic and agoraphobia can be classified as defense activation (D-type) conditions.

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

2018 ◽  
pp. 323-330
Author(s):  
Marco Del Giudice
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder ◽  
Posttraumatic Stress ◽  
Stress Disorder ◽  
Evolutionary Models ◽  
Type Condition ◽  
New Directions ◽  
Physiological Symptoms ◽  
Developmental Features ◽  
Prolonged Response

The chapter discusses posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). PTSD is a severe, prolonged response to witnessing or experiencing traumatic events that may manifest with a variety of cognitive, affective, and physiological symptoms, from irritability and hypervigilance to recurrent dreams and flashbacks. After an overview of this disorder, its developmental features, and the main risk factors identified in the epidemiological literature, the chapter critically reviews existing evolutionary models and suggests new directions for research. The final section applies the criteria developed earlier in the book to classify the disorder within the fast-slow-defense (FSD) model. The author concludes that PTSD can be classified as a defense activation (D-type) condition.

Social Anxiety Disorder

2018 ◽  
pp. 347-352
Author(s):  
Marco Del Giudice
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Anxiety Disorder ◽  
Social Anxiety ◽  
Social Phobia ◽  
Social Anxiety Disorder ◽  
Evolutionary Models ◽  
Type Condition ◽  
Social Situations ◽  
New Directions ◽  
Developmental Features

The chapter discusses social anxiety disorder (SAD) or “social phobia”, a condition marked by persistent fears and/or anxieties about social situations (including public speaking and other types of performance) that expose the person to scrutiny by others. After an overview of this disorder, its developmental features, and the main risk factors identified in the epidemiological literature, the chapter critically reviews existing evolutionary models and suggests new directions for research. The final section applies the criteria developed earlier in the book to classify the disorder within the fast-slow-defense (FSD) model. The author concludes that SAD can be classified as a defense activation (D-type) condition.

Specific Phobias

2018 ◽  
pp. 331-339
Author(s):  
Marco Del Giudice
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Final Section ◽  
Evolutionary Models ◽  
New Directions ◽  
Specific Phobias ◽  
Developmental Features

The chapter discusses specific phobias, one of the most common categories of psychopathology. Phobias are exaggerated fears of particular objects of situations, from animals and heights to flying and being exposed to blood, injections, and injuries. After an overview of these disorders, their developmental features, and the main risk factors identified in the epidemiological literature, the chapter critically reviews existing evolutionary models and suggests new directions for research. The final section applies the criteria developed earlier in the book to classify the disorders within the fast-slow-defense (FSD) model. The author concludes that phobias can be classified as defense activation (D-type) conditions.

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

2018 ◽  
pp. 261-271
Author(s):  
Marco Del Giudice
Keyword(s):  
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder ◽  
Attention Deficit ◽  
Low Frequency ◽  
General Intelligence ◽  
Evolutionary Models ◽  
Life History Variation ◽  
Hyperactivity Disorder ◽  
New Directions ◽  
Clinically Significant ◽  
Developmental Features

The chapter discusses attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), a heterogeneous set of conditions marked by clinically significant levels of hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention. After an overview of this disorder, its developmental features, and the main risk factors identified in the epidemiological literature, the chapter critically reviews existing evolutionary models and suggests new directions for research. The final section applies the criteria developed earlier in the book to classify the disorder within the fast-slow-defense (FSD) model and identify functionally distinct subtypes. The author proposes to tentatively distinguish between three subtypes of ADHD: a high-frequency fast spectrum subtype overlapping with conduct/antisocial disorders and psychosis (F-ADHD), a low-frequency slow spectrum subtype overlapping with autism (S-ADHD), and a subtype unrelated to life history variation and characterized by low general intelligence and generalized cognitive impairment.

scholarly journals The Changing Epidemiology of Autism Spectrum Disorders

2017 ◽  
Vol 38 (1) ◽  
pp. 81-102 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kristen Lyall ◽  
Lisa Croen ◽  
Julie Daniels ◽  
M. Daniele Fallin ◽  
Christine Ladd-Acosta ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
De Novo ◽  
Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Environment Interaction ◽  
De Novo Mutations ◽  
Potential Risk Factors ◽  
Metabolic Conditions ◽  
Genetic And Environmental Factors

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition with lifelong impacts. Genetic and environmental factors contribute to ASD etiology, which remains incompletely understood. Research on ASD epidemiology has made significant advances in the past decade. Current prevalence is estimated to be at least 1.5% in developed countries, with recent increases primarily among those without comorbid intellectual disability. Genetic studies have identified a number of rare de novo mutations and gained footing in the areas of polygenic risk, epigenetics, and gene-by-environment interaction. Epidemiologic investigations focused on nongenetic factors have established advanced parental age and preterm birth as ASD risk factors, indicated that prenatal exposure to air pollution and short interpregnancy interval are potential risk factors, and suggested the need for further exploration of certain prenatal nutrients, metabolic conditions, and exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals. We discuss future challenges and goals for ASD epidemiology as well as public health implications.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder

2018 ◽  
pp. 319-322 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marco Del Giudice
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Anxiety Disorder ◽  
Generalized Anxiety Disorder ◽  
Genetic Risk ◽  
Generalized Anxiety ◽  
Evolutionary Models ◽  
Type Condition ◽  
New Directions ◽  
Developmental Features ◽  
Very High

The chapter discusses generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), a chronic state of excessive, uncontrollable anxiety and worry about a number of different events and activities. Generalized anxiety co-occurs with depression at very high rates and shares the same genetic risk factors. After an overview of this disorder, its developmental features, and the main risk factors identified in the epidemiological literature, the chapter critically reviews existing evolutionary models and suggests new directions for research. The final section applies the criteria developed earlier in the book to classify the disorder within the fast-slow-defense (FSD) model. The author concludes that GAD can be classified as a defense activation (D-type) condition.

Depression

2018 ◽  
pp. 301-318 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marco Del Giudice
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Major Depressive Disorder ◽  
Depressive Disorder ◽  
Depressive Disorders ◽  
Somatic Symptoms ◽  
Evolutionary Models ◽  
Major Depressive ◽  
New Directions ◽  
Developmental Features ◽  
Persistent Depressive Disorder

The chapter discusses depressive disorders, including major depressive disorder (MDD) and persistent depressive disorder (PDD) or dysthymia. These disorders are marked by severe, prolonged episodes of dejected mood and/or loss of interest and pleasure in rewarding activities (anhedonia), and may be accompanied by somatic symptoms involving sleep, appetite, and so on. After an overview of these disorders, their developmental features, and the main risk factors identified in the epidemiological literature, the chapter critically reviews existing evolutionary models and suggests new directions for research. The final section applies the criteria developed earlier in the book to classify the disorders within the fast-slow-defense (FSD) model. The author concludes that depressive disorders can be classified as a defense activation (D-type) conditions.

Eating Disorders

2018 ◽  
pp. 285-300
Author(s):  
Marco Del Giudice
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Eating Disorders ◽  
Anorexia Nervosa ◽  
Bulimia Nervosa ◽  
Sensation Seeking ◽  
Evolutionary Models ◽  
Personality Profiles ◽  
New Directions ◽  
Bulimic Symptoms ◽  
Developmental Features

The chapter discusses eating disorders (EDs), including anorexia nervosa (AN) and bulimia nervosa (BN). After an overview of these disorders, their developmental features, and the main risk factors identified in the epidemiological literature, the chapter critically reviews existing evolutionary models and suggests new directions for research. The final section applies the criteria developed earlier in the book to classify the disorders within the fast-slow-defense (FSD) model and identify functionally distinct subtypes. The author proposes to distinguish between a fast spectrum subtype of EDs marked by dysregulated personality traits (high impulsivity, sensation seeking) and a prevalence of bulimic symptoms (F-EDs), and a slow spectrum subtype that comprises both overcontrolled and high-functioning personality profiles (S-EDs).

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document