Survey
* Your assessment is very important for improving the workof artificial intelligence, which forms the content of this project
* Your assessment is very important for improving the workof artificial intelligence, which forms the content of this project
Assumptions about causes: Same as physical illness Brain anatomy Infection Neurotransmitters/Chemical imbalance Genetics Chemical imbalance Levels of chemicals in brain too high or too low These chemicals transmit signals between nerves Chemicals called neurotransmitters psychlotron.org.uk Vesicles release neurotransmitter into synaptic cleft psychlotron.org.uk Neurotransmitter binds to receptors & activates them psychlotron.org.uk Enzymes are released to break down the neurotransmitter psychlotron.org.uk Excess neurotransmitter is taken up by the pre-synaptic neuron psychlotron.org.uk Vesicles are replenished with new & reused neurotransmitter Chemical imbalance Levels of neurotransmitters may be too high or too low Depression- too low serotonin Schizophrenia – too high dopamine Infection Bacteria and viruses may lead to mental disorders streptococcus infection has been linked to OCD in some children glandular fever linked to anorexia (only 4 patients) Today Show Saving Sammy PANDAS YouTube Neuroanatomy Damage to brain structures May be abnormal from birth or due to injury E.g. hypothalamus role in eating disorders Ventricles and schizophenia Evidence: In mice if hypothalamus cut they either starve or overeat Mouse lesion hypothalamus Schizophrenic twins Genes inherit a tendency for mental disorders in DNA from parents Tested using: Family studies e.g. schizophrenia 18x more likely if 1st degree relative with it Twin studies e.g. Comparing MZ (identical) & DZ twins Concordance rates (both have disorder) Anorexia MZ 56%, DZ 7% Bipolar disorder MZ= 80%, DZ= 16% Gene Found At The Root of Hair-Pulling Disorder - YouTube