Neurobiology of

mental disorder

Concepts:
Focus is in mental illness as a biophysical
impairment.
Human behavior is influenced by genetics,
biochemical alterations and function of brain and
CNS.
Important in the explanation of
psychopharmacology
The stress response is a neuroendocrine response.
Hypothalamic pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis

Important structure
(limbic system):
Thalamus regulates activity, sensation, emotion
Hypothalamus thermoregulation, appetite
control, endocrine function, appetite control,
impulsive behavior associated with feelings of
anger, rage or excitement.
Hippocampus and amygdala emotional arousal
and memory

 Neurons basic functioning unit

of the CNS
Neurotransmitters
Chemical substances
manufactured in the neuron
Aid in transmission of information
throughout the body

PARTS OF A NEURON
1.AXON
2.DENDRITES
3.SOMA OR CELL BODY

 Dopamine
An excitatory neurotransmitter
Located primarily at the brain stem
Involved in control of complex
movements, motivation, cognition and
regulation of emotional responses
Associated with pyschosis and
Parkinsons disease

 Catecholamines (norepinephrine and

epinephrine)
Norepinephrine

Attention, learning and memory, sleep and

wakefulness
Excess of this is associated with anxiety,
memory loss, social withdrawal and
depression.

Epinephrine responsible in the fight or

flight mechanism

 Serotonin
An inhibitory neurotransmitter
Derived from tryptophan
Involved in control of food intake,
sleep and wakefulness, pain control,
sexual behavior and emotions
Involved in anxiety and mood
disorders, schizophrenia and its
symptoms

 Histamine
Primarily involved in immunity and
allergic reactions
Some psychotropic drugs are block
by histamine

Acetylcholine
Affects sleep-wake cycle
Associated with Alzheimers disease

Glutamate
An excitatory neurotransmitter
At high levels, it can cause neurotoxicity.
Associated with Alzheimers and
Huntingtons disease

Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA)

An inhibitory neurotransmitter
Associated to treat anxiety and induce
sleep.