chromosomes that helps negate the faulty DNA. [1] Through linkage analysis of the families DNA Dr. Brunner team had discovered the specific gene in fact existed on the short arm of the X chromosome. The mutated gene produced an inactive form of monoamine oxidase A that normally would help in breaking down neurotransmitters in the brain. [1] This can explain why antisocial behaviors in males is much more prevalent than in females. [8][9][10] The mutation present in the Brunner studies are extremely rare
Introduction Brunner syndrome is a recessive X-linked disorder characterized by impulsive aggressiveness and mild mental retardation associated with MAOA deficiency. According to Brunner, it is a rare genetic disorder with a mutation in the MAOA gene (monoamine oxidase A gene). It is characterized by lower than average IQ (typically about 85), is a problematic impulsive behavior (such as arson, hypersexuality and violence), is also a sleep disorders and mood swings. Brunner syndrome was first discover by Hens
The eugenics movement started in the early 1900s and was adopted by doctors and the general public during the 1920s. The movement aimed to create a better society through the monitoring of genetic traits through selective heredity. Over time, eugenics took on two different views. Supporters of positive eugenics believed in promoting childbearing by a class who was “genetically superior.” On the contrary, proponents of negative eugenics tried to monitor society’s flaws through the sterilization of
may choose to violate the law. During his research Adrian Raine identified one potential gene that when altered could cause a person to become antisocial and commit crimes (Bartol & Bartol, 2014, Pg. 65). The gene that was identified was the monoamine oxidase A (MAOA) gene, it was discovered that if they removed the gene from a mouse it would become aggressive (Bartol & Bartol, 2014, Pg. 65). Researchers have also identified at least seven genes that are associated with antisocial behavior (Bartol
Violence and the Brain Is there a biological basis for violent behavior in the brain? Recent research links "neurological impairments and psychoses" to violent behavior (1). The "psychological effects" of brain damage and disease can cause the mind to lose touch with reality leading to criminal and violent behavior (1). As a result, free will may be deserted in an individual suffering from abnormalities and chemical imbalances in the brain (2). Consequently, legal issues arise because violent
behavior. Recently there has been many studies that: “Recent studies in behavioral genetics indicate that some violent criminals are genetically predisposed to violent behavior. One study has found that a mutation in the structural gene for monoamine oxidase A gives rise to an acute build-up of neurotransmitters associated with the body’s ‘fight or flight’ responses to stressful situations (Evansburg 2001)” (Wilson). Also, another study showed that: “focused on whether genes are likely to
The Gender and Chemistry of Suicide Suicide is a perplexing aspect of human behavior. There are hundreds of possible causes for suicide, but one underlying reason usually prevails. When life seems unbearable and hopelessly dreary, the only apparent way out for some individuals is to end their own painful existence. To other mentally "stable" individuals, suicide can be a question that can never be answered. Suicide is final, and no one comes back to explain why the decision
can the biological urge to become a killer. Nurture versus nature has been a long-standing debate. Nature, also known as pro-heredity in this essay, is about what a person’s genetic predispositions are related to behavior and intentions. The Monoamine Oxidase A gene (MAO-A) has earned the nickname “warrior gene” because it has been linked to aggression in observational and survey-based studies (Johnson and Tingley). In an actual study, a man named Jim Fallon, who has studied the biological basis
A criminal is an individual who is convicted of a crime and depending upon its severity, faces appropriate consequences. A criminal can exhibit a range of different behaviours and personalities; however, what is common among all violent criminals is that they are extremely aggressive and impulsive. Also, violent criminals often suffer from mental disorders such as psychopathy and antisocial disorder. Before individuals are capable of committing a violent crime they must first acquire certain aggressive
Introduction: Cracking the code at life All organisms on the planet have chromosomes that carry genetic material that makes it up protein by protein and that is passed on from generation to generation. Whatever the organism, fruit fly or humans, we all have DNA (Blum, et al, 2010). To understand criminality, we must first invest time into figuring out why humans behave and respond in a certain situation. We must look deep into the brain which is a result of our anatomy, neurochemistry, physiology
(United Kingdom). Neurotransmitters are the chemicals that can improve one’s mood and overall emotions. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin-adrenaline reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are the main antidepressants available. SSRIs are generally prescribed and are preferred by doctors over other antidepressants. Prozac is the most common antidepressant in this category. “SNRIs are similar to SSRIs,” but SSRIs
Introduction In our culture we seem to have the idea that if we pop the right pill, our dissatisfaction or discomfort will be assuaged. Lately, herbal drugs have become very popular as alternative medicines. They are purported to heal everything from memory problems to sexual dysfunction. One of the most common and most controversial herbal remedies is St. John’s Wort. As a cheap over-the-counter antidepressant, and with over 17% of the population experiencing depression sometime in their lifetime
Prozac Classification Fluoxetine is a legal prescribed medication (Fluoxetine, 2000). The brand name of this drug is Prozac (Fluoxetine, 2000). Fluoxetine belongs in a category of drugs called selective serotonin prescription (PDR, 2000). This is a synthetic drug (Fluoxetine, 2000).reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) (PDR, 2000). Prozac is not a controlled substance but needs a Usage Prozac is used as an antidepressant, antiobsessional and antibulimic medication (Fluoxetine, 2000). Prozac is presumed to
Leigh syndrome is a fatal disorder that causes progressive neurodegeneration in mostly young kids. It was discovered in 1951 by Denis Leigh who originally named it Necrotizing Encephalomyelopathy. Leigh originally classified it based on phenotypes found in a boy who had normal development until the age of 6 months. After this the boy showed various phenotypes including optic atrophy, deafness, and bilateral spasticity. The neurological phenotypes displayed in the boy were: neuron degeneration, gliosis
Recently, I went to The Happy School, a preschool in my hometown of Smallville, California, to pass the morning with the students there. In the time I spent there, the children, ages 3 to 5, engaged in unstructured play, and sat in a circle for calendar time and reading aloud. The preschool is primarily child-centered in terms of its organization, meaning it incorporates a lot of child directed activity, and less structured, or adult directed, learning (Berk, 2008). I watched the group of about
Depression can be treated essentially by using two types of treatment: psychotherapy and drug therapy. Psychotherapy uses the combination of different techniques from the different models such as psychodynamic therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy. 1.3.4.1: Psychodynamic therapy: The psychodynamic therapies focus on resolving the patient's inner psychological conflicts that are typically thought to be rooted in childhood (Debjit bhowmik, Kumar, Srivastava, Paswan, Dutta 2012). The therapists make
and act. For a moment we are going to return to the example of the criminal. The only explanation for natures influence on the criminal must be the criminal had genes specific to criminal activity. The genes of criminal intentions are known as monoamine oxidase. People who possess these genes may start acting in violent ways, or they may not. Genes do not act alone in directing people’s actions. As stated earlier they work hand in hand with nurture.
Cognitive and Emotional Correlates of Addiction.” Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society 12(3):405-415. Yu, Wounger W.Y, Shih-Jen Tsai, Chen-Jee Hong, Tai-Jui Chen, Ming-Chao Chen, and Chih-Wei Yang. 2005. “Association Study of a Monoamine Oxidase A Gene Promoter Polymorphism with Major Depressive Disorder and Antidepressant Response.” Neuropsychoparmacology 30:1719-1723.
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Prozac: Fluoxetine Many people, both those who have experienced the illness and families and friends that have helped loved ones cope with it, are familiar with the far reaching effects of depression. Depression is one of the most common medical conditions in United States and around the world. At some point in their lives one in four, approx 18 million, Americans will experience some episode of depression. For people struggling with depression there is help available. Antidepressant