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INTRODUCTION
SAQ first sentence:Two effects of the environment on physiology are neuroplasticity and hormone secretion.
Key Terminology:
Environment - Surroundings and conditions pertinent to an individual
Ex: Company of others, light exposure, experience/learning
Physiological processes - Physical and chemical functions in the body
Ex: Structural development of the brain, distribution of grey matter in brain structures, hormonal levels
Neuroplasticity - The brain’s ability to rearrange neural connections as an adaptation to environmental challenges such as
learning or experience, resulting in structural changes
Ex: Cortical thickness and volume of the brain increase in effect of education
Seasonal Affective Disorder(SAD) –A subcategory of depression apparent in autumn and winter months, characterized
by sleepiness, lethargy, and cravings for carbohydrates; correlated to increased levels of the biological hormone,
melatonin (Rosenthal 1987)
LAQ thesis: This paper will discuss neuroplasticity and hormone secretion as two physiological processes affected by the
environment, with reference to studies conducted by Avery et al (2001), Maguire et al (2000), and Rosenzweig, Bennett and
Diamond (1972).
STUDIES
Avery et al (2001)
Aim: To investigate dawn simulation and bright light therapy as treatments for SAD patients, in relation to the
hormone melatonin
Procedure: laboratory experiment
o Sample: 95 SAD patients
o Patients were assigned to three groups: 33 in dawn simulation (4:30 AM to 6:00 AM), 31 in traditional bright-
light therapy (6:00 AM to 6:30 AM), 31 in placebo dim red light at dawn (4:30 AM to 6:00 AM)
o Underwent treatment for 6 weeks
o Structured interview that results in a depression-rating specific to SAD
Findings:
o Traditional bright-light therapy and placebo groups showed less improvement and more side effects than the
dawn simulation group
o Placebo group complained of insomnia significantly more than the other groups after 4 weeks of the study
o Bright-light therapy and dawn simulation groups both able to realign sleep patterns by inhibiting melatonin
secretion
o Dawn simulation more likely to have positive therapeutic benefits and less likely to have the side-effects of
nausea and headache than bright-light therapy
Conclusions:Dawn simulation had response rates compared to the placebo and compared to bright light therapy. The
hours of sunshine during the week before each assessment were associated with a positive clinical response.
Applications: Clinical applications (SAD treatment)
Strengths: Limitations: