Module 9: Psychological Disorders
Biopsychology, also known as biological psychology, explores the connection between biological processes and psychological phenomena. It investigates how brain function, neurochemistry, and genetics contribute to various psychological disorders.
Bipolar disorder is a mood disorder characterized by extreme fluctuations in mood, energy, and activity levels. These mood episodes can range from manic (highs) to depressive (lows) states.
Biopsychological Factors
Genetics: Bipolar disorder has a strong genetic component. First-degree relatives of individuals with bipolar disorder have a higher risk of developing the condition.
Neurotransmitters: Imbalances in neurotransmitters such as dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine are associated with mood swings in bipolar disorder.
Brain Structure: Abnormalities in the prefrontal cortex, amygdala, and hippocampus have been observed in individuals with bipolar disorder. These brain regions are involved in emotion regulation and cognitive function.
Dementia is a broad term for a decline in cognitive function severe enough to interfere with daily life. It encompasses various conditions, including Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia, and frontotemporal dementia.
Biopsychological Factors
Neurodegeneration: Dementia is characterized by the progressive loss of neurons and synapses in the brain. This neurodegeneration is most pronounced in Alzheimer's disease, where amyloid plaques and tau tangles accumulate in the brain.
Genetics: Certain genetic mutations increase the risk of developing dementia, such as mutations in the APP, PSEN1, and PSEN2 genes in Alzheimer's disease.
Neurotransmitters: Declines in neurotransmitter levels, particularly acetylcholine, are associated with cognitive deficits in dementia.
Tourette syndrome is a neurological disorder characterized by repetitive, involuntary movements and vocalizations called tics.
Biopsychological Factors
Genetics: Tourette syndrome has a hereditary component, with multiple genes potentially involved in its manifestation.
Neurotransmitters: Dysregulation of dopamine pathways is believed to play a significant role in the development of tics.
Brain Structure and Function: Abnormalities in the basal ganglia, a region involved in movement control, have been implicated in Tourette syndrome. Functional MRI studies have shown altered activity in these areas during tic episodes.
Schizophrenia is a severe mental disorder characterized by distorted thinking, perception, emotions, language, sense of self, and behavior. Symptoms can include delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech, and cognitive impairments.
Biopsychological Factors
Genetics: Schizophrenia has a strong genetic basis. Having a first-degree relative with schizophrenia significantly increases the risk of developing the disorder.
Neurotransmitters: The dopamine hypothesis suggests that overactivity of dopamine transmission in certain brain regions contributes to schizophrenia symptoms. Glutamate dysfunction is also implicated, particularly in cognitive deficits.
Brain Structure and Function: Structural abnormalities, such as enlarged ventricles and reduced gray matter volume in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus, are common in individuals with schizophrenia. Functional abnormalities in these regions, as well as in the default mode network, are also observed.