Biochemical explanation for mental illness (Topic2)

Question 1

The biochemical explanation

Answer 1

Our bodies have a balance of chemicals that can become unbalances, which is linked to psychological disorders.

Question 2

Neurotransmitters

Answer 2

Biochemicals that carry signals between brain cells, info passes cell to cell across synapse at end of each brain cell.
Different neurotransmitters are important in diff parts of brain, believed to be important in regulating different mental processes.
One explanation of mental illness; possibly symptoms are result of abnormal neurotransmitter levels or action. Too much/not enough neurotransmitters may lead to psychological disorders i.e too much dopamine can lead to schizophrenia.

Question 3

Serotonin

Answer 3

Regulates dopamine (affects mood) and noradrenaline levels (activity levels).

Question 4

Biochemical explanations of depression: The serotonin hypothesis:

Answer 4

Noradrenaline, Serotonin and Dopamine are group of neurotransmitters involved in depression.
Depression includes lowered mood & disruption to activity levels leaving patients less/more active than normal.
Dopamine plays important role in regulating our mood.
Noradrenaline implicated particularly in activity levels.
Serotonin important in controlling activity of noradrenaline & dopamine.
Reduction in serotonin levels (particularly following stressful events) leads to failure regulating normal dopamine + noradrenaline levels.

Question 5

Drug treatment: ‘Selective Serotonin reuptake inhibitors’
(SSRI’s)

Answer 5

Drugs that increase the effect of serotonin in the body.
World Health Organisation has concluded SSRI’s are effective treatment for severe depression.