If genes code for behaviour as well as physical traits, then behaviour is subject to evolutionary pressures in the same way that physical traits are subject to evolutionary pressures.

Evolutionary explanations for behaviour can be studied using one or more examples.

Evolution of depressive symptoms: (to be taught in Year 2 Abnormal Psychology)

saq-evolutionary-explanation-bio (1)

Handout on evolution of depression: Evolution of depression

Original paper: price 1994

Original paper: raleigh1984

Further reading:

• evolutionary explanation of alzheimers: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3646265/