Animal Indexing and Schizophrenia
By: G.C. The naturalism of science encompasses many aspects of using live animals in labs. Here I will be discussing the limits of the data in an animal model with an emphasis on the methods in which scientist obtain this data. Rodents, such as mice and rats, are a common subject used in studies involving neurobiological disorders. This section will focus specifically on research done to find a definitive genetic component linked to schizophrenia. Schizophrenia is a mental disorder that is most often associated with its trademark symptoms of auditory hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking. It has been found that this disorder has a hereditary element; an individual with a history of schizophrenia
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Researchers attribute this to a need for more advanced technology. People with schizophrenia are often ostracized from society because of the stigma it carries; an example being that in media they usually appear as the “homicidal maniac” character. Society must come to realize that these people, despite their issues, are not dangerous and still have potential to contribute to their community. An extreme case being John Forbes Nash Jr., winner of the 1994 Nobel Prize in Economics. Despite a narrower range of symptoms that are observable to scientist, there is still a great deal that can be learned from animal models. While the “trademark” characteristics are out of reach, it is still possible to examine behavioral abnormalities such as response to stress, reaction to stimulating drugs, and defects in working memory (Hemmerle et al., 2015). It is also possible to screen for brain abnormalities that are consistent with the brain structure of a schizophrenic. These abnormalities include a decrease in brain volume, oversized ventricles, and diminished blood flow to areas like the frontal lobes (Gall, …show more content…
Environmental factors are used to create the neurodevelopmental models, these factors include stress, viral infections, brain lesions, abuse/neglect, and complete isolation. Pharmacological model’s design are largely based on manipulating the neurotransmitter systems that control dopamine and glutamate. In genetic models mice are screened to see if they naturally have defective structures in the brain that are also found in persons suffering from schizophrenia, candidates then had their gene sequence analyzed for mutations that could be responsible for the abnormalities (Van Schijndel and Martens
This stereotype contributes to the stigma individuals’ face and encourages social exclusion and intolerance, especially in schizophrenia (Ray & Brooks Dollar, 2014). Ken sought out help and went to the emergency room because he recognized he was severely depressed. There, the doctor promised he would not be put in restraints, yet when he was taken to the hospital, he was placed in restraints because it was company policy (Steele & Berman, 2001). Due the stigma that individuals with mental illness are violent, Ken was not treated fairly (Stuart & Arboleda-Florez, 2012). Stuart and Arboleda-Florez (2012) are very credible authors to be writing on the effects of stigma in mental health. Both authors have experience in psychiatry, combatting stigma and mental health issues.
Scientific and Humane Issues in the Use of Random Source Dogs and Cats in Research. Washington, D.C: National Academies Press, 2009. Print.
A man stands outside of a shop on a busy city street and yells at his reflection while waving his limbs about frenetically. People walk by and write him off as a crazy person; they are trying to ignore the man as they hurry along to their offices. Little do they know that this man suffers from the baffling mental disease commonly known as schizophrenia. This chronic brain disorder affects nearly one percent of Americans and causes delusions, hallucinations, thought disorders, movement disorders, and a disruption of normal emotions and behaviors (“Schizophrenia” NIMH). Unbeknownst to the rest of the world, the man is suffering from ravish delusions caused by his disease. A person afflicted with schizophrenia must acquire treatment, if they hope to regain any degree of normalcy in life. Schizophrenics must first obtain diagnosis of the disease from a psychologist and then start the process of treatment either utilizing antipsychotic drugs or psychotherapy.
Throughout this course, much of what we have discussed has depended strongly on an interpretation of scientific information. We have questioned, criticized, accepted, rejected, and formed our own ideas about topics in neural and behavioral science. A book which I have read recently seems to fit in with this type of discussion. Blaming the Brain, by Eliot Valenstein, describes the major biological theories of mental illness and the lack of evidence we have to fully support them.
National Library of Medicine, National Institute of Health. Schizophrenia. 31 Jan 2013. Web. 15 May 2014
A genetic factor of schizophrenia would be a gene on chromosome twenty-two called COMT ( ...
Not one gene can cause Schizophrenia by itself. This illness may result from the gene that make important brain chemicals malfunctioning. This malfunctioning may affect the ...
The brain, a component of the nervous system that is located in our skulls is a complex organ that determines almost everything about us, from actions to personality traits. It controls voluntary movement, conscious thinking, language, memory, and emotion (“Brain” 2014). Through the use of brain imaging technologies, psychologists are able to break down the complexity of the active brain and study its particular processes. Such technologies include Positron Emission Topography (PET), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI), Electroencephalogram (EEG), and Computerized Axial Tomography (CAT). These instruments are useful in the field of neurology, but have their own set of benefits and drawbacks depending on different situations. Hence, this essay will discuss and evaluate the brain technologies of PET and fMRI in its role of investigating the relationship between biological factors and behavior in terms of schizophrenia.
It has been proven that nature and genetics plays an important role in development of some mental health conditions, such as bipolar, major depression and schizophrenia. However, it cannot be concluded that mental illness is entirely inherited. In the case
Scientists believe that an imbalance in the chemical reactions in the brain involving the neurotransmitters may play a role in the development schizophrenia. The brains of people with schizophrenia also show small differences such as enlarged ventricles, less gray matter, and some areas may have less or more brain activity.
Stigma: Schizophrenia and Dangerousness." Journal of Mental Health (Abingdon, England). U.S. National Library of Medicine, Oct. 2014. Web. May 2017.
...ovelman, J, A., & Scheibel, A, B. (1984). A neurohistological correlate of schizophrenia. Biological Psychiatry, 19, 1601.
The origin of Schizophrenia is not completely known. Though, it shows that Schizophrenia could be caused by the contact involving genetic and environmental factors. Biological interpretations have controlled in past studies. But now twin and adoption studies propose that environmental factors assist in sparking Schizophrenia. However, neither the biological nor the environmental categories is known to be the source, also there is no guarantee that one will make certain if he will or will not develop Schizophrenia.
When explaining and treating mental illness and abnormal behavior, all six of the aforementioned models have shortcomings. For example, in the biological model of abnormality, biological treatments often produce unsavory side effects like severe shaking and extreme restlessness in antipsychotics. This model is also rather limiting since it says that only biological factors cause behavior; no other outside factors (like social factors, for instance).
Due to strong roots in genetic studies and neurobiological research, the biological method of treating mental disorders has become increasingly more effective in recent decades. Psychologists using the biological model work with concrete causes of the disorders, whether this be an inherited trait or an imbalance in brain chemistry. By utilizing the physical causes of these disorders, researchers can target and eradicate the symptoms more efficiently. Unfortunately, the use of the biological model on its own can lead to neglect of other possible causes. This disregard for cognitive and behavioral causes and treatments could resign patients to an unfulfilling line of treatments, and more trouble in