Abstract

Introduction

Ensembles with Variable Structures (EVS)

Simulation Results

Implications for Psychiatry

References

Discussion
Board

Psychiatric illness invariably involves a loss of psychological, social, and sometimes physical function. It runs counter to the normal processes of functional differentiation. Formal models have been developed to explore the process of functional differentiation, with emphasis upon explicating the role of environmental factors. An understanding of the role of environmental factors in the genesis of functionalities may provide insights into their role in the loss of these functionalities in illness. To date, our modeling has been directed towards is the development of tools for the identification and measurement of these environmental factors and the translation of these tools into a format suitable for use under in vivo conditions. Initial work has suggested that the expression of a specific functionality by a poly-functional element depends upon the structure of its connections with other such elements, the compatibilities between them and the overall population size. The relationship between these formal parameters has been studied through the Compatibility Model (Trofimova, Potapov, Sulis, 1997). The number of possible contacts (sociability of elements) and the population size appeared to be more critical factors governing the connection structure than was the diversity of elements. Some implications for the environmental contribution to the genesis of psychiatric illness will be discussed.

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Presentation Number SAtrofimova0851
Keywords: Modeling, Compatibility, Environment, EVS-approach