The brain is one of the most complex body organs, and addressing the issues that relate to it can be sophisticated as well. The TED Talk video gives an elaborate description of the common misunderstanding of the brain like a bag of chemicals and that related ailments can be resolved by simply altering the reactions. One important aspect of the presentation that surprised me is the fact that mental disorders are not only a result of chemical imbalances in the brain. The illnesses are also caused by disruptions in the neural circuits responsible for mediating emotions, moods, and effects (Anderson, 2020). Treating depressed or ASD individuals by prescribing drugs such as Prozac to change brain chemistry is ineffective because it fails to identify specific areas in the organ that cause the condition. Nonetheless, I have a question, what is the alternative to the drugs considering there are no discoveries yet that take into account the circuit concept?
The brain functions by sending, receiving and interpreting signals through neurons, and this process can be affected whenever an individual takes drugs. Heroin, for example, activates neurons because their chemical composition is similar to body transmitters. However, since the substance is not natural, it triggers unusual messages sent through the brain network (Sherman, 2017). For instance, marijuana can lead to intense euphoria that is never experienced normally, which in some cases causes addiction. Additionally, using amphetamine can release excess amounts of ordinary neurotransmitters or interfere with the transporters meant to recycle the brain chemicals. Drug intake can either disrupt or amplify the communication between neurons.
Biopsychologists study the connection between psychological and biological elements, and it is also necessary that they comprehend synaptic transmission and neural conduction concepts. Whereas the former is the process of communication between neurons, the latter represents the electrical signals in the brain (Faber & Pereda, 2018). Understanding how the two relate can help develop solutions to mental disorders other than the ordinary use of chemical-based drugs. It is also essential that all psychologists have the same information because it can be used to treat patients without the prescription of ineffective medicinal therapies and those with adverse side effects.
References
Anderson, D. (2020). Your brain is more than a bag of chemicals [Video]. Web.
Faber, D., & Pereda, A. (2018). Two forms of electrical transmission between neurons. Frontiers in Molecular Neuroscience, 11. Web.
Sherman, C. (2017). Impacts of drugs on neurotransmission. National Institute on Drug Abuse. Web.