Evolutionary approaches to psychiatry and problems of method.
Evolutionary hypotheses have been used widely to interpret enigmatic psychiatric phenomena. In applying evolutionary theory, three common methodological errors occur: imprecise and inappropriate use of evidence and theoretical concepts; incorrect assessment of the level at which evolutionary processes occur; and potential misinterpretation of observations due to a confusion of proximate and ultimate causation. Guidelines and criteria for developing meaningful evolutionary hypotheses and rigorous research strategies are described. It is hoped that these efforts will enhance the contribution evolutionary theory may have as it is applied to psychiatric observations in the future.
Lane
L W
LW
Department of Psychiatry, Pritzker School of Medicine, University of Chicago.
Luchins
D J
DJ
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D005075:Biological Evolution; D005787:Gene Frequency; D006801:Humans; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000235:genetics* / Q000523:psychology; D012307:Risk Factors; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000235:genetics; D012931:Social Environment