Brain Chemistry
The mysteries surrounding the complexity of the brain and how it works has led scientists in diverse fields to search for answers. Chemicals in the brain and the reactions that take place are being understood now more than ever due to continuing research in genetics, pharmacology, and mental illness. Study and research in genetics has helped identify some of the genes involved in producing, receiving, or sending certain chemical reactions, the way they work, and how they affect certain behaviors. Pharmacological research has led to advances in medications available which can help regulate and change the way brain chemistry works. Research into mental illness has helped us to realize that these illnesses are due in part to biological chemical imbalances. As we understand our brain's chemistry better we also understand more about how we think and reason, why we react different to different situations, and even whether or not our children may be predisposed to certain mental illnesses. The brain is saturated with the chemicals needed to manage moods, feelings, energy, memory, emotions and other processes. Brain chemicals are found inside brain cells known as neurons. Neurons serve as the
basis of all brain activity. They have branches that connect and communicate with other cells. One neuron can receive information from thousands of other neurons. The movement of brain chemicals is the way information is communicated between neurons. Different neurons specialize in releasing different chemicals. Recent advances have been made that help us to understand the physiological role of serotonin receptor sites that inhibit or excite serotonin action. Of all the chemical neurotransmitters, serotonin is most implicated in various disorders, including anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, schizophrenia, pain and migraines. Serotonin is found in many cells in the body. About one to two percent of the body's supply of serotonin is found in neurons in the brain. It cannot cross the blood brain barrier; therefore, the brain must synthesize its own supply. The three main places serotonin is found are the central nervous system (including the brain), the intestinal wall, and the blood vessels (Borne). Begley,Sharon. "Is Everybody Crazy?" Newsweek Jan. 1998: 54,55. Addiction comes in many forms. People can be addicted to alcohol, marijuana, cocaine, heroin, cigarettes and many other chemicals. There has been overwhelming evidence linking addiction and the brain chemical dopamine. Brain imaging technology has been used to track the rise of dopamine and link it to feelings of euphoria. Drugs can be thought of as sledgehammers in that they profoundly alter many pathways. Dopamine seems to be a common endpoint to all those pathways. Nicotine, heroin, alcohol, and cocaine raise dopamine levels. A genetic trait that produces too little dopamine may be a key factor in who gets addicted. This research is going a long way toward helping in the recognition that addiction is a biological disorder. The more science understands the biology of addiction, the better treatments will become. A number of MAO inhibitor drugs are being used to help people stop smoking. Cocaine withdrawal cravings have been helped by a drug that targets the dopamine receptor known as d1. Methodone, which activates d1, is used in treating heroin addiction. These drugs help tide people over the first few months of withdrawal and help curb cravings. Drugs alone will not solve the addiction problems. The most important message that seems to be coming from recent research is that the biological disorders associated with addiction can be reversed through learning and drug treatments (Nash). Chudler,Eric "Neuroscience - Making Connections." Neuroscience.
Some common words found in the essay are:
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Approximate Word count = 3416
Approximate Pages = 14 (250 words per page double spaced)
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