Greek physician/philosopher
Regarded as the “Father of Medicine”
Talked about basis for medical problems
Believed that rational knowledge could serve a path for understanding psychological problems.
Galen
Born to Greek parents in Asia Minor
Great physician with an empirical approach who rejected the old doctrine and relied on his observation and research.
Correctly identified various parts of the nervous system and had an accurate grasp of how nervous system functions.
Known for anatomical studies on animals and observations of human body functions
Charles Darwin: (1809-1882 Ad)
British scientist
Author of the revolutionary “The Origin of Species” (1859)
According to Darwin, variations among individuals of a species would occur by chance, but could in turn be passed on to the future generations
Gave the concept of “Survival of the Fittest” ;only those variations which helped the individuals survive long enough to breed would sustain, and be passed on
The synapse of the neuron releases special chemicals called
“Neurotransmitters”
Existence of neurotransmitters has been known since 1920’s; but the evidence of their relationship with psychological disorders has been found and known since 1950s
More than 50 neurotransmitters exist in human body
Neurotransmitters and Their Role
Acetylcholine: Learning, Memory and Muscle control
Dopamine: Motor activity, Coordination, Emotion and Memory
Epinephrine: Emotion, Stress
GABA (Gamma-Amino Butyric Acid): Anxiety, Arousal, Learning
Serotonin: Sensory Processing, Sleep, Arousal
Glutamate: Anxiety, Mood
These glands form the body’s “slow” chemical communication system; a set of ductless glands that secrete hormones (special chemicals) into the bloodstream
Endocrine Glands and Abnormality
Low secretions of the thyroid produce anxiety like symptoms such as irritability and tension
Low level of pituitary secretions produces depression like symptoms—Fatigue, apathy etc.
Abnormal secretions of hormones may cause major depression
Abnormality is caused by some disease in the “Central Nervous System”(C.N.S).
Disease in the C.N.S. has some biological or physical origin.
Physicians are best able to treat diseases of the C.N.S.
Diseases in the C.N.S. are not currently specific.