The bright side of mental illnesses

7 important questions on The bright side of mental illnesses

What is the role of the genes on the probability on depression when there are no stressful life events?

Genes are of no influence

If so many people have risk genes why have they not been selected out?

Because on the other side of the spectrum they offer advantages

What are some positive effects of having the s-variant of the serotonine gene?

Better at decision taking, impulse inhibition, risk avoidance, social conformity
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What happens when you have dopamine receptor D4-7 repeat variant?

Increased risk ADHD and aggressive, anti-social behaviour. This is dependent on sensitivity of the mothers. If the mothers are insensitive more problem behaviours but if the mother is sensitive they have the least problem behaviours at all.

What is differential susceptibility?

Minority of children is more susceptible(because they have the genes) to both positive and negative early environments, for better and for worse because brain is supersensitive to all experience. However the majority is resilient

What is the orchid hypothesis?

Most of us have genes that make us hardy and resilient as dandelions, a few have genes that make us fragile like orchids which are more vulnerable and difficult to grow but can grow spectacularly with the right care.

How is the balance between dandelions and orchids in society?

A good mix between the two, you need a majority of dandelions for underlying stability. And a minority of orchids. This combination provides adaptive flexibility that neither group can provide alone.

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