Brain abnormality as an explanation for mental illness (Topic2)

Question 1

Brain abnormality

Answer 1

Human brain is very complex system- delicate chemistry can be disrupted.
Depression linked to low serotonin, Schizophrenia linked to high/low dopamine levels in diff parts of brain.
Certain structures in brain may develop siff size or shape, levels of activity can be higher or lower in particular brain regions.
Evidence exists to show our central nervous systems do not function normally when we suffer from certain conditions, particular areas of brain also appear to malfunction during mental disorder- although unclear whether due to abnormal neurotransmitter levels or seperate phenomenon.

Question 2

Brain abnormality in schizophrenia

Answer 2

Refers to how a mentally ill patients brain differs from neurotypical persons brain and how persons brain differs from when they were healthy to when they are mentally ill.
Brain differences post-mortem (after death) found schizophrenic’s brains were 6% lighter.

Question 3

Brain imaging of schizophrenic brains

Answer 3

Brain imaging techniques e.g P.E.T scans showed schizophrenics have enlarged ventricles (on avg 15% larger than normal)
Ventricles provide essential nutrients in brain and protect it from damage. Some psychologists believe increase in size of ventricles lead to loss of grey matter (functional neurons) in temporal lobe and is what leads to schizophrenic symptoms.
Longer having schizophrenia, less grey matter in their brains. (negative correlation).
Reduction in grey matter stops when patients take anti-psychotic medication suggesting grey matter is associated with aspects of disorder. (schizophrenia)