J Korean Neuropsychiatr Assoc.  2018 May;57(2):173-189. 10.4306/jknpa.2018.57.2.173.

Evolutionary Psychiatry II-Mental Functions and Diseases from the Evolutionary Perspective

• Park CJ
• Kang UG

• KMID: 2419264
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4306/jknpa.2018.57.2.173

Abstract

Previously (Part I) the authors introduced the evolutionary biology and psychology. In the present part (Part II) of the review article, we discuss what disease is, and how diseases are explained in terms of the evolutionary perspective. Various psychologic phenomena and psychopathologic conditions are also illuminated under this evolutionary light. Through this approach, the authors hope that clinicians would search for the "normality" as well as pathology in patients, and would utilize this insight to understand and treat them accordingly.

Keyword

Evolved psychologic mechanisms; Environment of evolutionary adaptedness; Normality; Overmedicalization

MeSH Terms

Biology
Hope
Humans
Pathology
Psychology

Figure

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  Fig. 1 The homeostatic model of drive. When the homeostasis is disturbed, a drive emerges to search for resources that would regain the homeostasis. After the acquisition of resources, they are consumed to restore the homeostasis. Once the homeostasis is regained, the drive wanes. This process is evolutionarily preserved in order to promote the fitness.

• 

  Fig. 2 Evolutionary mismatch. A psychologic property (such as attention) is normally distributed in a population. The range of distribution is tuned in accordance with the needs during the EEA. Today, the requirement (presumed optimal range) is altered due to environmental changes. However, the tuned range is not altered after the EEA. Thus in the individuals having extreme-range values, the property does not meet the current environmental requirement and thus designated as pathologic. EEA : Environment of evolutionary adaptedness.

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