the biological model

The Biological Model

Philip Berman is viewed as a biological being with thoughts and feelings produced by biochemical and bioelectrical processes.
Proponents of the biological model emphasize understanding behaviors through their biological bases to effectively treat problems.

Medical Perspective: Abnormal behavior is seen as an illness due to malfunctioning biological systems.
Focus on Brain Chemistry: Malfunctions in the brain are often blamed for abnormal behaviors.

The human brain consists of approximately 86 billion neurons and trillions of support cells.
Information in the brain is conveyed through electrical impulses traveling from one neuron to another.
- Dendrites: Receive incoming signals.
- Axon: Transmits impulses to other neurons' dendrites.
- Synapse: The gap between neurons where neurotransmitters are released.

Neurotransmitters: Chemicals that pass messages across the synapse; they can either excite or inhibit the receiving neuron.
Disturbances in neurotransmitter activity are linked to mental disorders:
- Serotonin: Low levels associated with depression.
- Norepinephrine and Glutamate: Also implicated in mood regulation.
Endocrine System Influence: Hormones released by glands can affect mental health, especially stress-related hormones like cortisol.

Distinct brain regions control various functions; issues in these areas may associate with psychological disorders.
Example: Huntington's disease relates to neuron loss in the basal ganglia and cerebral cortex, leading to motor and emotional symptoms.
Focus on Brain Circuits: Researchers are studying brain circuits rather than individual structures to understand psychological disorders.
The interconnectivity of these circuits is crucial for healthy functioning; dysfunction can lead to disorders like anxiety.

Factors influencing neurotransmitter or brain circuit functioning:
- Genetics: 23 pairs of chromosomes contain genes that influence behavior and mental health.
  - E.g., family history indicating potential genetic predisposition.
- Evolutionary Factors: Some genes associated with mental disorders might be regular evolutionary traits that, in today's context, can contribute to psychological issues.

Identifying Clues: Biological practitioners consider family history and physiological effects when diagnosing.
**Main Biological Treatments: **

Drug Therapy:
- Most common approach using psychotropic medications to affect mood and thought processes.
- Concerns exist about over-prescription and the effectiveness of certain medications.
Brain Stimulation:
- Electric Convulsive Therapy (ECT): Involves passing currents through the brain to relieve severe depression.
- New techniques such as Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) and Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS) target specific brain areas.
Psychosurgery:
- Invasive procedures used for severe mental disorders when other treatments fail.
- Deep Brain Stimulation: Combines psychosurgery with brain stimulation to help with depression.

The biological model has gained respect due to ongoing research and successful treatments.
Limitations:
- Overemphasis on biological explanations can neglect the interplay of psychological, social, and environmental factors.
- Some biological treatments may lead to significant side effects, indicating a need for a balanced approach.

The biological model approaches abnormal behavior as a product of biological anomalies, emphasizing brain chemistry and genetics.
Effective treatments include drug therapy, brain stimulation, and psychosurgery, making this model a prominent perspective in psychology.