Evolutionary Origins of Mental Disorders: Overlooked Advantageous Survival Mechanisms by Samuel Cares

Evolutionary Origins of Mental Disorders: Overlooked Advantageous Survival Mechanisms by Samuel Cares

Psychology

The stigma that accompanies mental disorders in the modern age contributes to the widely held belief that they are completely negative. However, based on Darwin's (1860) theory of evolution, it seems as though such a large flaw would have been made extinct by now. However, careful and meticulous research shows that the origins of many disorders, including obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), are in the far northern hemisphere. Here, it would have been advantageous to have the characteristics of a person with the modern concept of OCD. Conscientiousness, parsimonious, and future-oriented thought would have aided, not hindered, the survival of our ancestors. Other disorders, including mania and depression, share similar characteristics that could be considered evolutionarily advantageous. This is a stance that is rarely taken by individuals, including mental health professionals. However, such an approach offers a silver lining for society as a whole to consider, and this reconsideration of mental disorders thus must conclude that these disorders are more than just maladaptive behaviors.

Cares, Samuel

Senior Showcase Oral Presentation

Ripon College

April 19, 2016

The author reserves all rights.

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Majors: Psychology, Religion

Columbus, WI

PSC 423 - Senior Research Seminar