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Here is a newly published paper you may find interesting. Please email me directly (not via CSGNet) if you would like any further information about it.
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Warren
Classification of Psychopathology and Unifying Theory The Ingredients of a Darwinian Paradigm Shift in Research Methodology
Authors
Warren Mansell- School of Psychological Sciences, University of Manchester, UK
Timothy Carey- Centre for Remote Health, a Joint Centre of Flinders University and Charles Darwin University; Central Australian Mental Health Service, NT Department of Health
Sara Tai- School of Psychological Sciences, University of Manchester, UK
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Volume 2, Issue 1, 2015, Pages 129-153
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5127/pr.036114
Abstract
The field of psychopathology needs a paradigm shift to revitalise its research methodology and translational practice. We describe Darwin’s transformation of biology and its implications for science and culture, and we infer the implications of an analogous approach to p
sychopathology. Darwin challenged the assumptions of the biological classification system with compelling evidence to support a quantifiable, mechanistic theory of change across all life. Specifically, he showed that species were changeable, that individuals showed substantial variation in their features, and that these features were functional adaptations to the environment. Similarly, there is substantial evidence of continuous change, shared symptoms and functionality across the categories of psychiatric classification. Our novel research methodology, inspired by perceptual control theory, includes both qualitative and quantitative methods, and entails the study of universal processes within heterogeneous samples and studying dynamic processes prospectively within individual cases, drawing direct analogies with evolutionary dynamic systems (e.g. trade-offs, speciation).
Table of Contents
Introduction
Darwin’s Paradigm Shift
The Analogy with Psychopathology
Different mental disorders share symptoms
Symptoms vary in degree rather than in absolute terms across disorders, and between disorders and the nonclinical population
There is important individual variation between people with the same diagnosis
Diagnosis changes over time, including recovery
Symptoms are instances or signs of psychological mechanisms that have both functional and maladaptive properties
A transdiagnostic theory may explain the maintenance of distress across disorders
The theory needs to be algorithmic, mechanistic, and quantitative, allowing modelling and testing
Implications for Research Methodology
Universal factors: observation and phenomenology
Universal factors: quantitative methods
Descriptive phenomenology of individuals
Quantitative investigatio
ns within individuals
Hybrid designs
Novel hypotheses about symptom development based on Darwinian concepts
Speciation and divergent trajectories of psychopathology.
Frequency dependence.
Exaption.
Conflict.
Transdiagnostic interventions
Conclusions
Acknowledgements
References
Correspondence to
Dr Warren Mansell, Reader in Clinical Psychology, School of Psychological Sciences, Coupland I, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PL. UK
Keywords
diagnosis, psychopathology, philosophy of science, control theor
y
Dates
Received 27 Feb 2014; Revised 2 Jul 2014; Accepted 4 Jul 2014; In Press 14 Feb 2015
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Dr Warren Mansell
Reader in Clinical Psychology
School of Psychological Sciences
2nd Floor Zochonis Building
University of Manchester
Oxford Road
Manchester M13 9PL
Email: warren.mansell@manchester.ac.uk
Tel: +44 (0) 161 275 8589
Website: http://www.psych-sci.manchester.ac.uk/staff/131406
The highly acclaimed therapy manual on A Transdiagnostic Approach to CBT using Method of Levels is available now.
Check www.pctweb.org for further information on Perceptua
l Control Theory