Malfunctions of cognitive modules

Examples of module underactivity due to maldevelopment can, in particular, be found in developmental disorders & degenerative disorders.

Excessive activation of modules can be seen to occur, such as over-activation of the fear module in anxiety disorders.  

Dysfunction of integration of cognitive modules

Dysfunction of connectivity between modules occur in disorders of consciousness & dissociative disorders. 

Relative overactivity of a module may occur due to overactivity of a connecting module, which it may be dependent on, leading to imbalance and a change in equilibrium. 

By-products of cognitive modules

Daly & Wilson ( 1988) argue that homicide may be a by-product of male status striving and that abuse & infanticide a failure of full activation of parental care adaptations in stepparents due to lack of genetic relatedness.

Charleton (2003) postulates that delusional disorders occur as a result of the normal functioning of cognitive modules that evolved to respond to social situations, which he terms strategic social intelligence. 

home

[ EPIG ] [ Evolutionary Models ] [ EP Classification ] [ EP Seminar 2006 ]

Citation suggestion: Dr Gary Galambos, Module Disorders, Evolutionary Psychiatry Interest Group Sydney Australia (http://www.ep.org.au/models/mod_dis.htm) [date accessed]

The materials provided on this website may be freely cited but reposting on other websites, publishing or other reproductions, whole or in part, are subject to the written permission of Gary Galambos. Images may be reproduced provided the source is properly acknowledged.  

Site Copyright (C) 1999-2004 Dr Gary Galambos M.B.B.S. F.R.A.N.Z.C.P.

Page last updated: 05 September 2006