Overview
This lecture explores the shifting boundaries between "normal" and "abnormal" behavior, the role of biology in explaining individual differences, and the ethical and societal challenges these insights bring.
From Blame to Biology
- Historical perspectives often saw abnormal behavior as a result of possession or moral failing.
- Modern understanding draws a line between a person's essence and their biological or neurological condition.
- Example: Epilepsy is now seen as a disease, not a character flaw, shifting blame from the individual to the illness.
- Society struggles to apply this logic consistently, evident in public reaction to psychiatric defenses in criminal behavior.
The Continuum of Disorder and Individual Differences
- Many conditions (schizotypal personality, frontal lobe differences, Huntington’s, Tourette’s, OCD) exist on a spectrum from disease to normal variation.
- Frontal cortical differences contribute to personality traits among healthy individuals.
- Huntington’s initially presents with behavioral symptoms before movement disorders, complicating definitions of disease.
- Tourette’s and OCD illustrate that behaviors may have biological roots without always reaching the threshold of a disorder.
Unusual and Culture-Specific Syndromes
- Jerusalem syndrome and Stendhal syndrome show cultural and situational triggers for psychiatric symptoms.
- Rare disorders like Rapunzel syndrome (hair eating) and body integrity identity disorder challenge definitions of normality.
Science, Individuality, and Fear
- Growing biological explanations for behavior can threaten feelings of individuality and uniqueness.
- Scientific understanding will never fully erase mystery or uniqueness due to the complexity of life.
- Increasing knowledge should foster empathy and protection, not judgment, for those with different traits or disorders.
Societal Implications and Personal Responsibility
- Scientific labels can be misused to deny opportunities or care, especially for the disadvantaged.
- Ideally, understanding the biological basis of behavior expands our empathy and societal protections.
- Complexity is not an excuse for inaction; informed, compassionate decision-making is needed in various professional roles.
Final Thoughts
- Balancing compassion and scientific reasoning is crucial; both can coexist in addressing human behavior and societal needs.
- Leave room for future generations to reinterpret current knowledge with new insights.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Frontal cortex — Brain area involved in decision making, personality, and inhibition.
- Disinhibition — Loss of restraint over behaviors, often due to frontal lobe impairment.
- Schizotypal personality — A personality style with eccentric beliefs and behaviors, related but less severe than schizophrenia.
- Huntington’s disease — Genetic disorder causing movement and psychiatric symptoms.
- Tourette’s syndrome — Neurological disorder marked by motor and vocal tics.
- OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) — Disorder involving intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions).
- Jerusalem/Stendhal syndrome — Psychiatric disturbances triggered by intense cultural or religious experiences.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Fill out the course evaluation form online.
- Attend the TA review session (1:30–3:30, Room 321), and instructor office hours (3:30–6).
- Prepare for the final by reviewing key concepts discussed in class.