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The Interwoven Roots Theory of Psychopathology

A Developmental Model of Psychopathology

Vivian Mitchell, MA, APCC 16067 | Ph.D. Student of Clinical Psychology

Why This Framework Exists

For decades, psychology has focused on what's wrong, using checklists of symptoms. But this approach misses a fundamental question: why do these symptoms appear together?

The Interwoven Roots Theory reframes mental health not as a series of isolated problems, but as a dynamic process. It suggests that many symptoms are the result of a few core "roots" that interact over time. By understanding these roots, we can move from simply treating symptoms to promoting deeper, lasting well-being.

What The Model Shows: From Roots to Conditions

This model illustrates the developmental journey from our foundational vulnerabilities to the complex conditions we see in everyday life.

Level 0: Foundational Roots

Our primary, unchanging sources of vulnerability that create a unique developmental blueprint.

Epigenetics: The "bridge" where life experiences influence how our genes are expressed.

Adverse Events (AEs): Trauma, neglect, stress, poverty, nutritional deficiencies.

ADHD Neurotype: An inherent neurobiological profile.

ASD Neurotype: An inherent neurobiological profile.

Genetic/Bio (Other): Predispositions for conditions like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder.

Level 0.5: Initial Reactions & Sub-Clinical Manifestations

Early, often subtle, responses to the foundational roots.

From AEs: Acute stress, emotional dysregulation.

From ADHD: Restlessness, mild executive dysfunction.

From ASD: Social awkwardness, sensory sensitivities.

From Genes: Sub-threshold mood fluctuations.

Level 1: Early Diagnosable Conditions

Recognizable patterns of symptoms that coalesce from the roots.

From AEs: PTSD, Adjustment Disorders.

From ADHD: ADHD itself, co-occurring anxiety.

From ASD: ASD itself, co-occurring depression.

From Genes (Other): Intellectual Disability, Cyclothymic Disorder.

Level 2: Complex, Progressive, or Interactional Disorders

Conditions that arise from the cumulative impact of multiple roots interacting over time.

AE-Driven: Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID), Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), Complex PTSD.

Neurodev/Genetic: Schizophrenia, Severe Bipolar Disorder.

Interactional: Severe GAD, MDD, Personality Disorders.

How It Works: The Path to Wellbeing

Our goal isn't to "cure" a foundational root—we can't change our genes or our past. Instead, the focus is on addressing the roots and building resilience to achieve a state of lasting remission.

The Power of Protective Factors

These are the "counterweights" that help to balance out our vulnerabilities.

Attachment & Community: Having a safe, supportive network.
Innate Temperament: Our natural ability to self-regulate.
Holistic Practices: The role of good nutrition, sleep, and exercise.
Developed Skills: The capacity for self-compassion, insight, and healthy coping.

A Phased Approach to Treatment

Healing begins by identifying the roots and building a foundation of safety, not by rushing to treat the most visible symptom. Only after this foundation is secure can we effectively work on deeper issues and build a resilient future.