Neurotransmitters and Their Role in Mental Health

The third assumption of the biological approach in psychology focuses on the role of neurotransmitters in mental health and behavior. Neurons, the electrically excitable cells that form the basis of the nervous system, communicate with each other through chemical messengers called neurotransmitters.

Definition: Neurotransmitters are chemical substances that transmit signals across synapses, the junctions between neurons.

Neurons have branches called dendrites that allow them to connect with many other neurons. At the synapse, neurotransmitters are released from presynaptic vesicles in one neuron and may stimulate or inhibit receptors at the post-synaptic receptor in another neuron.

Highlight: Neurotransmitters play a significant role in mental health and psychological disorders.

Example: Low levels of serotonin are linked to depression. Antidepressant medications often work by increasing the availability of serotonin at post-synaptic receptors.

Vocabulary: Role of neurotransmitters in mental health psychology as level refers to the study of how these chemical messengers influence psychological well-being and disorders, as covered in AS level psychology courses.

Another example is the association between high levels of dopamine and schizophrenia. Some antipsychotic medications work by blocking dopamine activity to alleviate symptoms.

Understanding the role of neurotransmitters provides valuable insights into the biological basis of mental health disorders and informs the development of pharmacological treatments.

Evolutionary Influences in the Biological Approach

The biological approach in psychology emphasizes the role of evolutionary influences on human behavior and cognition. This assumption is rooted in the theory of evolution and natural selection, which explains how the human mind and behavior have adapted over millions of years to meet environmental demands.

Definition: The Environment of Evolutionary Adaptiveness (EEA) refers to the environment to which a species is adapted and the selective pressures that existed at that time.

The theory of natural selection posits that genetically determined behaviors that enhance an individual's chances of survival and reproduction are more likely to be passed on to future generations. This process has shaped human psychology over time.

Highlight: Evolutionary psychologists focus on behaviors that ensure survival in particular environments, rather than assuming all behaviors are adaptive.

Example: The fear response to potentially dangerous stimuli, such as snakes or heights, can be seen as an evolutionary adaptation that increased our ancestors' chances of survival.

Vocabulary: Biological approach evolutionary influences psychology as level example refers to specific instances of how evolutionary processes have shaped human behavior and cognition, as studied in AS level psychology courses.