The biological model of abnormality believes that mental disorders are caused by biological factors such as genetics, brain chemistry, and physiological abnormalities. According to this biological model of abnormality, mental illness is primarily a result of dysfunction in the brain and the nervous system. This model emphasizes the role of neurotransmitters, hormones, and other biological factors in the development of mental disorders.
Brain Anatomy and Abnormal Behavior
Brain is made up of neurons and glia (support cells). The group of these neurons form distinct areas in the brain also known as brain regions. Cluster of these regions at the top of the brain is cerebrum which includes cortex, corpus callosum, basal ganglia, hippocampus, amygdala.
Cortex : Outer layer of the brain.
Corpus Callosum : It Connects the two cerebral hemisphere’s of the brain.
Basal Ganglia : Responsible for motor functions like panning and producing movement
Hippocampus : Regulates emotion and memory
Amygdala : Key role in emotional memory
Researchers have discovered connection between certain psychological disorders and dysfunction in specific brain areas.
For Example : Huntington’s Disease, a disorder with key symptoms of violent and emotional outbursts, involuntary body movements, suicidal thinking, memory loss, and beliefs which are absurd in nature. A cause of this disorder is loss of cells in basal ganglia and cortex.
Brain Chemistry and Abnormal Behavior
Biological theorists have also learned that psychological disorders can be related to problems in the transmission of messages from neuron to neuron.
- Information communicates in the form of electrical impulses throughout the brain, travelling from one neuron to another. An impulse is first received by a neuron’s dendrites.
- From there it travels down the neuron’s axon. Finally, it transmits through the nerve ending at the end of the axon to the dendrites of other neurons. But neurons do not actually touch each other, a tiny space, called the synapse, separates one neuron from the next.
- When an electrical impulse reaches a neuron’s ending, the nerve ending is stimulates to release a chemical, called a neurotransmitter, that travels across the synaptic space to receptors on the dendrites of the neighboring neurons.
- A key role is played by neurotransmitters in moving information through the brain.
Abnormal activity in these neurotransmitters lead to specific disorders. For example : Depression as a result of an imbalance in neurotransmitters such as serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine in the brain. According to this model, the regulation of these neurotransmitters plays a crucial role in regulating mood, and any disruptions to this balance can result in depression.
Hormones and Abnormal Behavior
Abnormal chemical activity in the body’s endocrine system is sometimes related to Mental Disorders. Endocrine glands work along with neurons to control vital activities such as growth, reproduction, sexual activity, heart rate, body temperature, energy, and responses to stress. Glands release chemicals which are hormones into the bloodstream, and these chemicals then stimulate body organs to take action. At times of stress, for example, in order to help the body deal with the stress, the adrenal glands, on top of the kidneys, secrete the hormone cortisol. Anxiety and mood disorders are tied to abnormal secretions of this chemical.
Sources of Biological Model of Abnormality
The abnormality in brain anatomy and chemistry occurs through the sources of biological abnormality. There are :
- Genes – Many psychological disorders have a genetic component. Studies have shown that individuals with a family history of certain disorders, such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, are more likely to develop these disorders themselves.
- Evolution – Abnormal behavior may have once been adaptive or useful in certain environments, but has become maladaptive in modern society. For example, anxiety disorders may have evolved as a way to keep humans alert and vigilant in dangerous environments. In the past, being constantly on high alert may have helped individuals avoid predators or other threats. However, in modern society, this heightened state of anxiety can interfere with daily life and become a disorder.
- Viral infections – Contact with certain kind of viruses lead to dysfunctional behavior and can damage brain anatomy and chemistry. For example, the flu virus is linked to depression and anxiety, and the herpes simplex virus has been associated with irritability, aggression, and even psychosis in some cases.
Biological Treatments
These treatments target the physiological processes in the brain and body that contribute to the development and maintenance of psychological disorders. Therefore, the biological practitioners first identify the physiological cause and the treatment accordingly. There are majorly 3 types of treatments which are highly recognized Medications, Electroconvulsive Therapy, and Psychosurgery.
