assumptions about causes: same as physical illness brain anatomy infection ...
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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
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 schizopheniaEvidence: In mice if hypothalamus cut they either
starve or overeat
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