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Psychology vs. Psychiatry
Anatomy
Neuroscience
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put a hyperlink to some of the words too that are mentioned like if adhd or SSRIs is mentioned before the section on that then put a link to direclty take to there there should be lots of these
Aamir Jones
Sources and Acknowledgments
This website was created to explain mental health, neuroscience, and related topics in a clear and age-appropriate way. Some explanations were written with help from ChatGPT (OpenAI, 2025), which was used only to simplify language and organize ideas, not to create factual information. All facts are drawn from expert-reviewed and professionally maintained sources, primarily nonprofit organizations, medical institutions, and academic organizations (.org and .edu). These include the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), the American Psychiatric Association, the Society for Neuroscience, BrainFacts.org, MedlinePlus, KidsHealth, CHADD, Autism Speaks, the Mayo Clinic, Harvard Health, the Yale Center for Dyslexia, Understood.org, the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), the National Down Syndrome Society, the Tourette Association of America, and VA.gov. Additional information was informed by research and educational content from academic and professional organizations such as the American Psychological Association, PubMed, Frontiers in Psychology, and university-based neuroscience and psychology departments, including Harvard and Stanford, particularly when discussing learning, cognition, and emotional well-being. These sources are reviewed by medical professionals, researchers, and subject-matter experts before publication. All content on this site is written in original wording for educational purposes and does not copy or redistribute material from the original sources.
Thanks for checking out the basics of mental health with me! Whether you were curious or doing research, I hope you learned something new about yourself and those around you. 🙂
profits from the wesbite are donate to 988 and see something (add info about these here and links) Add different mental health days such as October is bully prevention month add other months and mental health holidays
PSYCHIATRY DEEP DIVE
What really is Psychiatry?
Psychiatry is a branch of medicine that focuses on diagnosing, treating, and preventing mental illnesses. Psychiatrists are medical doctors who help with conditions like anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, etc.
Brain Adaptability
The brain can change through experience and therapy, and your lifestyle can reshape neural pathways to improve overall mental health.
Role of Genetics
Genetics play an important role in conditions like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and ADHD. A family history may increase the risk, but it doesn’t guarantee they’ll occur. Factors like trauma or stress often connect with genetics, which influence how or if the disorders will happen.
Psychiatry focuses on the brain and what chemicals or parts have to do with mental disorders. While genetics play a key role in mental conditions, therapy and environmental factors can reshape the brain, offering hope for recovery. Social connections and interactions can build resistance against mental health challenges.
PSYCHOLOGY DEEP DIVE
What really is Psychology?
Psychology is the study of how people think, feel, and behave. It focuses and explores on how the mind, actions, and behavior are influenced by:
- The brain and nervous system
- Environmental factors
- Past Experiences
Major Branches of Psychology
- Clinical Psychology: diagnosis and treats mental health and disorders
- Cognitive psychology: studies mental processes like thinking, memory, and problem solving.
- Developmental psychology: looks at how people grow and change from childhood to adulthood.
- Social psychology: explores how interactions with others influence thoughts and behaviors.
- Neuropsychology: connects brain function to behavior, after studying the effect of brain injuries and disorders
Key Theories in Psychology
- Behaviorism— actions are shaped by rewards and punishments.
- Cognitive theory— thoughts shape emotions and behavior
- Psychoanalysis— the unconscious mind influences behavior.
Real World Applications
Understanding yourself and others can help you better emotionally, make smarter choices, and build stronger relationships. It improves how you connect with people and handle challenges and everyday life.
Brain Structures and Functions
- Prefrontal cortex: decision making, impulse control, planning.
- Amygdala: emotions, especially fear and anxiety.
- Hippocampus: memory formation.
- Hypothalamus: hormones, hunger, and stress responses.
- Basal ganglia: habit formation and motor control (regulation of body movements).
PSYCHOLOGY VS. PSYCHIATRY
Psychologists vs. Psychiatrists
- Psychologists study behavior and mental processes using therapy and counseling.
- Psychiatrists are medical doctors who diagnose and treat illnesses, often with medicine.
Education and Training
- Psychologists earn a Ph.D (Doctor of Philosophy) or Psy.D (Doctor of Psychology). Psychologists earn a doctoral degree in Psychology without attending medical school.
- Psychiatrists earn an M.D (Doctor of Medicine) or D.O (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine) with residency and mental health. Psychiatrist earn a medical degree by attending medical school.
Treatment Approach
- Psychologists use behavioral therapy, cognitive therapy, and talk therapy to help patients.
- Psychiatrists use medications, medical treatments, and sometimes therapy to treat mental disorders.
Use of Medication
- Psychologists cannot prescribe medication in most places.
- Psychiatrists can prescribe many medications, some including SSRIs, mood stabilizers, and antipsychotics.
Psychology focuses on understanding thoughts, behaviors, and emotions through therapy and counseling. It uses different types to help people manage mental health challenges. Psychiatry is a medical field that treats mental health disorders by using medication such as SSRIs, antipsychotics, etc. Psychiatrists and psychologists often work together to help people find the best treatment approach.
ANATOMY DEEP DIVE
What really is Anatomy?
Anatomy is the study of the body structure including bones, muscles, organs, and tissues. It explains how the body parts are built and connected.
Main Branches of Anatomy
- Gross anatomy focuses on large structures like the heart, lungs, and bones that can be seen without a microscope.
- Microscopic Anatomy looks at tiny structures like cells and tissues using a microscope.
Anatomy helps us understand how the body works, supports medical care, and shows how each part relies on others to stay healthy.
Skeletal System Basics
- The skeletal system provides support and structure for the body.
- Bones protect vital organs like the heart and lungs that store vital minerals.
Bone Joints and Movement
- Joints in cartilage allow movement by working with the muscles.
- The skeleton works like a frame and joints make it flexible.
- cartilage definition: a flexible tissue that cushions joints, supports structures like the nose and ears, and helps bones move smoothly.
Muscular System Types
There are three types of muscles: skeletal (movement), smooth (organs), and cardiac (heart). Muscles contact to create motion and maintain body posture.
Major systems
- Skeletal: bones and joints provide structure and protection.
- Muscular: muscles enable movement and generate heat.
- Nervous: the brain, spinal cord, and nerves control communication and coordination.
- Endocrine: glands produce hormones to regulate growth, mood, and metabolism.
- Circulatory: the heart, blood, and vessels transport oxygen, nutrients, and waste.
- Respiratory: the lungs and airways allow for breathing and oxygen exchange.
- Digestive: breaks down food for nutrients and energy, then removes excess water.
- Excretory: kidneys and bladder remove toxins.
- Lymphatic/Immune: fights infection and maintains fluid balance.
- Reproductive: enables reproduction and hormonal development.
- Integumentary: skin, hair, and nails protect the body and regulate temperature.
All body systems work together. For instance, the respiratory system takes in oxygen, which the circulatory system delivers to tissues, while the nervous system coordinates everything. The body’s organization progresses from cells to tissues, organs, systems, and ultimately the whole body. It adapts to changes like exercise strengthening muscles and stress affecting heart rate. This adaptability is essential for survival, enabling everyday activities like walking and breathing through often unnoticed anatomical interactions.
NEUROSCIENCE DEEP DIVE
What is really is Neuroscience?
Neuroscience is the study of the nervous system including the brain, spinal cord, and nerves. It explores how the brain processes information, controls the body, and influences thoughts, behaviors, and emotions. Neuroscience can connect to mental health processes by showing how the brain affects it.
Main Areas of Neuroscience
- Molecular Neuroscience: studies how genes, proteins, and neurotransmitters control brain function.
- Cellular Neuroscience: focuses on neurons (nerve cells) and how they communicate.
- Cognitive Neuroscience: explains how the brain enables thinking, memory, and decision making.
- Behavioral Neuroscience: explains how the brain influences emotions, actions, and habits.
- Clinical Neuroscience: studies brain disorders like schizophrenia, epilepsy, and Alzheimer’s.
- Developmental Neuroscience: investigates how the nervous system grows and changes from embryos to adulthood. Helps explain disorders like ADHD and autism.
- Computational Neuroscience: uses math coding in AI to model brain function and understand complex neural processes.
Key Parts of the Nervous System
- Central Nervous System (CNS)- made up of the brain and spinal cord which controls the body’s functions.
- Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)- includes all the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord. It carries signals between the body and the CNS.
How Neuroscience connects to Mental Health
- Neuroscience explains how chemical imbalances cause mental disorders. This leads to treatments like SSRIs or disorders like depression.
- Understanding brain plasticity (the brain’s ability to change) helps develop therapies for trauma, learning, disabilities, etc.
- Neuroscience supports psychology and psychiatry by showing how our thoughts and behavior are linked to brain and nerve activity.
Real-world Applications
- Medical Treatments- neuroscience helps develop medications for mental illnesses, epilepsy, and neurological disorders.
- Therapy- cognitive and behavioral therapies are based on how the brain learns and adapts.
Neuroscience bridges the gap between biology, psychology, and medicine, helping our understanding of the mind and behavior!
DISORDERS
ADHD
What is it?
Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is a condition that affects focus, impulse control, and hyperactive behavior. It often begins in childhood and can continue through adulthood, impacting daily life. ADD is an old name for a type of ADHD where someone mainly struggles with paying attention but isn’t hyperactive. Doctors use ADHD to describe all types, whether they be hyperactive or impulsive.
Signs and Symptoms
- Difficulty focusing, forgetting tasks, or getting easily distracted.
- Interrupting others, acting without thinking, fidgeting
Causes and Risks
ADHD has a strong genetic base which runs in families. Other factors like toxins during pregnancy may also contribute. It’s also partially linked to differences in the brain.
Management and Support
Treatments include behavioral therapy and in some cases medication (commonly in children and teens).
Anxiety
What is it?
Anxiety Disorders invloce fear or worries of certain things in dialy life. COmmon types are generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), social nxiety, and panic disorder.
Casues and Risk Factors
Anxiety often comes from a combination of genetics and and environmental stressoers like trauma or ongoing stress. It can also be due to brain chemistry (such as imbalnces in serotonin and GABA)
Signs and Symptoms
- Physcial Symptoms: rapid heartbeat, swating, trembling, stomachaches
- Emotional Symptoms: worry, fear, a sense of death\
- Behavioral symptomsL Avoiding situatiosm that ight trigger anxiety like public areas,
Imoact on Brain and Body
Chromic anxiety keeps the amygdala overactive which disrupts the brain’s ability to regulate emotion. It also increases stress hormones like cortisol which affects the body over time
Mangemnt and TReatment
Anxiety can be managed though cognitive- behavior therapy (CBT) or meditation, regualt excersice and sometime medications can help as well.
AUTISM
What is it?
ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) is a lifelong condition that affects communication, social interaction, behavior, etc. People with ASD process information differently but they might have unique strengths.
Causes and Risk Factors
- Studies found that the main cause is genetics.
- Brain structure and connectivity differences, mostly in areas that help with responding to sensory or social interaction.
- Autism is present from birth and cannot develop later in life.
Signs and Symptoms
- Difficulty with social cues (eye contact, facial expression)
- Repeating routines or behavior
- Sensitivity to things like loud noise or brightness
How it affects daily life
Some people may do better in specific areas (e.g. math, art) but struggle in others (e.g. speaking, reading)
Treatment Options
Starting early with therapies like ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis), Speech, Occupational, and Sensory will help in developing social skills.
The Autism Spectrum
The Autism Spectrum is a range of neurodevelopmental conditions including Autism, Asperger’s syndrome, and Persasive Developemntal Disorder (specifically PDD-Nos). Traits vary along with different levels of severity.
BIPOLAR DISORDER
What is it?
Bipolar Disorder is a condition that causes extreme mood swings between emotional highs (mania or hypomania) and lows (depression). These shifts affect behavior, energy, and can influence decision-making. Mood swings can happen quickly or slowly, and the time to recover from an episode varies.
Causes and Risk Factors
It is linked to genetic factors, chemical imabalnces in the brain and different life stressors. Family hisotry your risk.
Signs and Symptoms
- Manic Episodes: high energy, racing thoughts, risky behavior
- Depressive Episode: sadness, lack of energy, hoplessness
- Normal mood may happen between “episodes”.
Management and Treatment
Mood Stabilizers (e.g. lithium which helps control emotions and reduces frequency of episodes) and support from healthcare and family
BPD
What is it?
Borderline Personality Disorder is a mental health disorder known for unstable moods, relationships, and self image.
Causes
- Linked to genetics or other factors like childhood trauma.
- Emotioanl reguaktion difficulty because of brain differences.
Signs and Symptoms
- Intense mood swings or fear of abandonment
- Impusive behavior like risky actions
- Chronic feelings of being empty and a tendency of self harm
How it affects daily life
- Hard time maintaining relationships because your not stable in emotions
- Difficulty in managing stress and jobs
- HIgher risk of depression, anxiety, and also substance abuse.
Treatment options
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) is highly effective
Medications for other like antidepressents and mood stabalizers
SUpport groups and psychotherapy to imrpove coping skills
coping skills
: the strategies and behaviors people use to manage stressful situations, challenging emotions, and difficult experiences
BPD (move everything below this so it isn’t centered with the tab)
what is it?
Borderline Personality Disorder is a mental health disorder involving unstable moods, relationships, and self image.
causes
Linked to genetics, brain structure, and enviornmental parts like childhood trauma
emotional regulational difficulties due to brain differences especially in the amygdala and prefrontal cortex.
Signs and Symptoms
Intense mood swings and fear of abandonment
Impulsive behaviors like overspending
Chronic Fellings of emptiness and a tendcy to do self harm.
How it affects daily life
Strained relationships due to emotional instabilty
Difficulty maintain relationshipsjobs or managing stress.
Higher risk of depression, anxiey, and substance abuse
Treatment Options
Dialectal Behavioral Therapy (DBT) is highly effective.
Midications for co-occuring conditions like antidressants or mood stabilizers.
Support groups and psychotherapy to improve coping skills.
How is BPD different from Bipolar Disorder?
People with bipolar disorder have mood episodes—like depression or mania—that last for days or even weeks. In borderline personality disorder (BPD), mood shifts happen much more quickly, often within minutes to hours, and come with intense emotions like anger, sadness, emptiness, or feeling abandoned.
Down Syndorome
What is it?
Down Syndrome happens because of an extra chromosome 21. Normally people have 46 chrompsomes in total arranged in 23 pairs of 2. In down syndrome there is a third copy of chromosome 21 (the 21st chromosome out of 23) which disrupots development. It leads to delays and physical traits like a flat profile or a short height.
Causes
- Occurs randomly during cell division which means it isnt inherited]
- The extra chromosome can imapoct your brain and your body development
Signs and Symptoms
- Distinct physical traits like almond shaped eyes and a single crease across the palm
- Increased risk of health issues such as heart defects or thyroid problems
How it affects daily life
Challenges with learning or slefcare may need support.
Early action and inclusive education can improve outcomes
Treatment options
- Therapies: speech, physical, occupational
- Regualt medical care tro manage health condioton
NOTE
Down Syndrome is not part of or on the Austim SPectrum.
dyslexia
what is it?
dyslexia is a learning disorder that affects reading and spelling because of difficulties in how the brain processes language.
causes
dyslexia is gentic with specific genes linked to brain development. evnviornmnetal factors like language exposure could also play a role.
brain structure and function
differences in the left hemisphere like regions that disrupt language expressing, processing, and word recognition
signs and symptoms
common signs and symptoms include difficulty reading, mixing up similar letters (e.g. b and d), slow reading, or trouble spelling.
Treatment options
inclusive school enviornmnts and tools like text to speech and audiobooks help dyslexic people read and learn more effectively. these technology make school more accessible for people with disabilities.
Note: can math be affected by dyslexia? Yes! even though dyslexia directly effects reading skills, man gan be affected by getting number or word problems confused. A more formal name for people with a learning disability that more directly focuses on math and trouble understanding numbers is called dyscalculia.
eating disorders
what are they?
eating disorders are condtions with an unhealthy relationship with food or body image. Common types include anorexia Nervosa (fear of gaining weight), bulimia (binge eating then try not to gain the wait (vomit), and binge eating disorders.
causes
- a combination of genetics and psychological things. can also be cussed by enviornmental factors like bullying.
- triggers like stress, social pressure and trauma could play a role if someone develops an eating disorder.
signs and symptoms
- extreme precaution with eight or how much you eat.
- physcial signs: drastic weight changes, digestive issues, fatigue (tiredness put def somehwre else)
How they can affect daily life
They can ipact relationships, mood, and confidence and can also lead to health complications like malnutrition (condition cussed by not enough calories or nutrients) or heart problems.
Treatment options
- Therapy: cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to help with thought patterns
- Nutritional counseling and medical support for physical recovery
huntingtons disease
what is it?
a genetic condition caused by a mutation in the HTT gene (gene that codes for protein “Huntington”. it leads to progessive breakdown of nerve cells in the brain affecting movement and awareness.
Causes
Inherited through autosomal dominant (way of one copy of genetic traits to be passed down) pattern meaning the offspring has a 50% chance of getting Huntington’s disease if one parent has the gene.
Signs and symptoms
uncontrolled jerky movements (chorea)
memoty loss or difficulty organizing thoughts
how it affects daily life
difficulty with movement, leading to challenged in walking, eating, and speaking.
emotional instability and cognitive decline can strain personal relationships
treatment options
tehre is no cure yet but medicines like tetrabenazine can help with symptomsd like chorea. physical and occupational therapy can help improve.
OCD
What is it?
OCD is a mental health health condition with unwanted persistent thought (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors(compulsions) to ease anxiety,
Causes
- OCD is mostly classified as an anxiety disorder because of intrusive thoughts but it has it’s own category: Obsessive Compulsive and RElated Disorders
- Exact cause is unknown but linked to genetics and environmental factors.
- Irregularities in brain areas like orbitofrontal frontex and serotonin imbalance may contribute.
Signs and Symptoms
- Obsessions: fear it germs, unwanted thoughts, or need for symmetry, etc,
- Compulsions: excessive cleaning or organizing, etc.
- Distress if routines are disrupted
How it affects Daily Life
Time consuming rituals interfere with relationships and daily activities. It may cause social isolation or difficulty concentrating.
Treatment options
- Therapy: exposure and response prevention (type of CBT)
- MedictaionL selective serotin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
- Support groups/systems and stress management.
PTSD
What is it?
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is a mental health condition triggered by experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event such as violence, natural disasters, and accidents, It disyrps the brain’s ability to process the trauma cauisng stress response.
Causes and Risk Factors
Trauma rewires the brain’s amygda leading to a heightened fear or alertness,
Recuced activity in the prefrontal cortex affects emotional regualtion
Lower levels of cortisol make it harder to recover from stress.
SIgns and Symptoms
- Re-expeirnecing the trauma through nightmares or flashbacks.
- Avoidance of reminders of the event (places, people, conversation)
- Hypervigilance(always on edge or easily distracted)
- Emotional numbness or detachment from other
How it affects daily life
PTSD can cause sleep disturbances, difficulties in relationships, and issues with focus/work. May also lead to substance abuse as a coping method.
Treatment options:
- Therapy: cognitive behavioral therapy (CBt) helps change thoughts or bhevaior to improve feelings or Eye movement desensitisation (EMDR) helps reprogram memory wigh a more epositve outlook by simeauktaiusly moving their eys in a specific pattern
- Meciation: Antidepressants liek SSRis or anti-anxiety medicine.
- Lifestyle: Midnfullness, yigam and groudnign techniques to manage stress responses
Schizophrenia
What is it?
Schizophrnia is a chronic brain disorder that effects thinking, emotions, and behvior. People may get distorted thoughts and have difficulty distinguishing reality from imagition
Causes
The cause is unknown but linked to a mix of genetics and brain chemistry. Other factors like trauma or infections during pregnancy may affect,
SIgns and SYmptoms
- Hallucination: hearing or seeing things that arent there)
- Delusions: strong false beliefs
- Disorganized thinking or speech
- Withdrawal from social actvities
- Unemtional
Brain’s role in Schizoprenia
Imbalances and brain chemicals like dopamine in glutamate are thought to play a role. Brain scans often show differences in structure and activity, such as reduced connectivity in the frontal lobe.
Treatmeant and managemnt
Schizophrenia is manage with antipsychotic medications,therapy, etc. Early treatment provides better long-term results.
Types of therapy (mostly used in mental health care; has an impact on your mental health)
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
What it is: A structured therapy focusing on identifying and changing negative thoughts patterns.
What it can treat: Aniety, depression, OCD, PTSD, ADHD, eating disorders, phobias
Subtypes:
- Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP): A specific type of CBT to treat OCD by gradually exposing of individulas to fears while preventing compulsive behavior.
- Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT): Focuses on addressing irrational beliefs that lead to emotional distress
- Trauma-focused CBT: Specially tailored for PTSD and trauma related behavior
2. Dialectal Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
What it is: A specialized CBT that emphasized emotional irreugaltion, Midnfullness, distress tolerance, and improving communication and relationship skills.
What it can treat: Borderline personality disorder, self harm, eating disorder, substance abuse, and emotional irregularity.
Other info: Often used when emotion driven behaviors are notable
3. Psychotherapy (Talk Therapy)
What it is: A general term used for talk based treatments to explore thoughts, feelings, and behavior. This is also reffered to as just “therapy”
WHat it can treat: Depression, Anxiety, relationship issues, grief, adjustment issues
Subtypes: Incudes psychodynamic, CBT, and more depending on the approach.
4. Psychodynamic therapy
What it is: A therapy that examines unconsious patterns, past experiences, and their influence on current behaviors
What it can treat: Depression, anxiety, personality disorders, and unresolved trauma
Other info: It’s a modern adaption of the Fruedian psychoanalysis (set of a psychological and therapy methods)
5. Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
What it is: A structured approach using techniques to improve, often in children,
What it can treat: Autism SPectrum disorder, ADHD, and developmental delays
Other info: Focuses on measurable changes in behavior
6. Family Therapy
What it is: Therapy involving family members to improve communication and other issues
WHat it can treat: Relationship conflicts, parenting challenges, and the effects of mental health disorders.
SUbtypes: STructured family therapy, systemic therapy, and strategic stratey
7. Group Therapy
What it is: Therapy conducted ina agroupo setting, allowing individuals to share experiences and suppoet each other.
What it can treatL Addiction, social anxiety, trauma
8. Eye Movement Desentization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
What it is: A trauma focused therapy that used guided eye movement to reprocess traumatic events/memories.
What it can treat: PTSD, trauma, anxiety, phobias
Other info: Based on the idea that distressing memories can be “unstuck” through engaging both sides of the brain at the same times (bilateral stimulation)
9. Speech Therapy
What it is: A therapy aimed at improving communication, language, and swallowing difficulties
What it can treat: Speech delays, stuttering, dyslexia, and other speech challenges from nuerological disorders.
Other info: Often used for individuals with ASD, down syndrome, and after brain injuires
10. Trauma-focused therapy
What it is: A therapy designed to specifically address the emotional effects of trauma
What it can treat: PTSD, abuse recovery, (childhood) trauma
Subtypes: Trauma focused CBT and EMDR are common
11. Humanistic therapy
What it is: A client-centered approach focusing on personal growth, self-acceptance, achieving potential
What it can treat: Depression, anxiety, and self esteem issues
Other info: Focuses on positive aspects and self-exploration
BRAIN PARTS
⭐ involved ⭐
1. Prefrontal Cortex
- Function: Responsible for decisions (like planning, self-control, impulse control, judgement).
- Relevance: It helps us with day-to-day decision making and social interactions. If it doesn’t work properly (like in ADHD), it can affect functioning and impulsivity.
2. Amygdala
- Function: Processes emotions (especially fear, anger, and self-defense). Involved in emotional regulation.
- Relevance: Overactivity can lead to anxiety, PTSD, or phobias. Underactivity might be better emotional regulation, in ASD → affecting self-emotion and emotional understanding.
3. Hippocampus
- Function: Involved in short-term memory to long-term memory. Also helps in spatial navigation (ability to find way from place to place).
- Relevance: Disrupted hippocampus is linked with PTSD, depression, and Alzheimer’s. PTSD (smaller hippocampus) → harder to regulate stress. Alzheimer’s → affects memory.
4. Cerebellum
- Function: Coordinates balance, posture, and voluntary movements.
- Relevance: Plays a big role in motor control. ADHD, autism, schizophrenia → might be smaller/different cerebellum. That can affect movement, coordination, and emotional regulation in ADHD or autism.
5. Left Temporal Lobe
- Function: Mainly involved in language processing. Also important in memory and understanding speech.
- Relevance: Damage can lead to problems like aphasia (language disorder) and problems with memory. In mental health, processing difficulties like dyslexia.
6. Right Temporal Lobe
- Function: Involved in recognizing faces, processing music, memory, and visual perception.
- Relevance: (Prosopagnosia) → not recognizing faces. Can also affect memory and interpreting social/emotional cues.
7. Frontal Lobe
- Function: Decision making, voluntary movement, reasoning, self-control, and language.
- Relevance: Frontal lobe dysfunction can lead to impulsivity, poor judgment, and difficulty in planning. In schizophrenia → abnormalities often found here.
8. Hypothalamus
- Function: Regulates essential body functions like hunger, thirst, sleep, and hormone release. Also involved in stress response.
- Relevance: If dysregulated, it can lead to issues like eating disorders (anorexia/bulimia), depression (hormone regulation), and emotional imbalances.
HORMONES
1. Cortisol
- Role: Hormone that is a stress hormone produced by adrenal glands.
- Function: Assists in body’s stress response by regulating things such as metabolism, blood sugar, inflammation, and memory formation.
- Relevance: In mental health, prolonged high levels → increased risk of depression, anxiety, and memory difficulties. Dysregulation of cortisol is associated with fatigue, sleep problems, and mental disorders like Addison’s disease.
2. Adrenaline (Epinephrine)
- Role: Produced by adrenal glands (located above kidneys).
- Function: “Fight or flight” response. Increases heart rate, blood flow, triggers energy release by breaking down glycogen (glucose stored in body) to act quickly in response to stress/danger.
- Relevance: Plays key role in anxiety and panic disorders. Overproduction can overstimulate the cardiovascular system → hypertension, stroke, or heart disease.
3. Serotonin (as a hormone)
- Role: Although mostly known as a neurotransmitter, serotonin also acts as a hormone.
- Function: Helps regulate mood, appetite, digestion, and sleep-wake cycles.
- Relevance: Low serotonin is associated with depression, anxiety, and mood disorders. Also influences mood regulation, appetite, and sleep. SSRIs (antidepressants) target serotonin.
4. Oxytocin
- Role: Produced in the hypothalamus and released by the pituitary gland. Called the “love hormone” or “bonding hormone.”
- Function: Plays a role in social bonding, maternal behaviors, and attachment in relationships.
- Relevance: Low levels may be linked to social anxiety and difficulties in forming bonds. High levels contribute to feelings of attachment, trust, and empathy.
5. Melatonin
- Role: Secreted by the pineal gland → regulates the sleep-wake cycle.
- Function: Helps to control circadian rhythms and sleep patterns.
- Relevance: Disruptions in melatonin levels can cause sleep disorders, seasonal affective disorder (SAD), and difficulty adjusting to jet lag.
6. Thyroid Hormones (T3 and T4)
- Role: Released from the thyroid gland.
- Function: These hormones regulate metabolism, energy levels, and overall growth and development.
- Relevance: Hypothyroidism (low levels) → tiredness, weight gain, depression. Hyperthyroidism (high levels) → anxiety, irritability, and restlessness. Imbalances can result in anxiety, irritability, and mood disturbances/restlessness.
Got it! Here’s the transcription exactly as you wrote it in your notebook — same wording, punctuation, and order:
7. Testosterone
• Role: produced mainly in the testes (males) and ovaries (females), responsible for development of male sexual characteristics, muscle growth, and strength
• Relevance: imbalance in testosterone levels may affect mood & energy levels. low levels are linked to depression, fatigue, and low self-esteem
8. Endorphins
• Role: released by the pituitary gland and brain, increase energy, relieve stress, and pain. natural painkiller and mood enhancer
• Relevance: low levels are linked to depression, chronic pain and lack of motivation
9. Human Growth Hormone (HGH)
• Role: produced in the pituitary gland, it stimulates growth, cell repair and metabolism
• Relevance: Deficiency can hinder growth, lead to fatigue, depression, and reduced stamina
10. Dopamine (as a hormone)
• Role: plays a vital role in pleasure and reward seeking behavior, motivation, and motor control
• Relevance: too little (decrease) = depression, Parkinson’s disease, lack of motivation
too much (increase) = ADHD, psychosis, addiction (especially with amphetamine and cocaine)
What are hormones?
• Hormones are chemical messengers that regulate several functions in the body. (growth, metabolism, mood, and reproduction)
• Produced in endocrine glands and travel through the bloodstream to reach the target organ or tissue.
How hormones work?
- Endocrine glands release hormones into the bloodstream
- They travel through the blood to specific target organs or tissues
- Cells respond to the hormones’ signal, bringing changes and helping to maintain balance
The 4 “feel good” hormones
1. Dopamine (The reward hormone)
• Associated with motivation, pleasure, and reward.
• Released during activities such as eating, achieving goals, and receiving praise.
2. Serotonin (The mood stabilizer)
• Boosted by sunlight, exercise, and meditation.
• Affects happiness, mood, and well-being.
3. Endorphin (The pain reliever)
• Released during exercise, laughter, and stress.
• Helps reduce pain and increase sense of euphoria (feeling of intense excitement).
4. Oxytocin (The love hormone)
• Increases bonding, trust, connection.
• Released during hugging, physical touch, or cuddle.
• (Social interactions)
What are neurotransmitters?
• Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that allow nerve cells (neurons) to communicate with each other through electrical signals.
• They transmit signals across a synapse (the gap between two neurons) to control mood, memory, and body functions (Ex: pain and sleep).
How neurotransmitters work?
- Nerve releases neurotransmitters into the synapse (the space between neurons).
- The neurotransmitters bind to the receptors of the next neuron.
- Then, causes an electrical signal to pass through the neuron.
- Once the signal is sent, the neurotransmitters are released again to start the next transmission.
How are hormones + neurotransmitters different?
| Feature | Neurotransmitters | Hormones |
|---|---|---|
| Released from | Nerve cells (neurons) | Endocrine glands |
| Travel through | Synapse (short distance) | Bloodstream (long distance) |
| Speed of effect | Fast (milliseconds) | Slower (seconds to hours) |
| Duration | Short-lived | Long-lasting |
| Examples | Dopamine, Serotonin | Estrogen, Testosterone |
What are glands?
• Glands are organs in the body that secrete hormones or other substances.
- Endocrine glands → release hormones into bloodstream (Ex: sweat, thyroid)
- Exocrine glands → release substances through ducts (Ex: sweat, saliva)
Major Endocrine Glands ⬇
- Pituitary gland (brain) → controls other glands, produces growth hormone
- Thyroid gland (neck) → regulates metabolism
- Parathyroid glands (neck) → balances calcium in blood
- Adrenal glands (top of kidneys) → produces stress hormones (adrenaline, cortisol)
- Pineal gland (brain) → regulates sleep (melatonin)
- Pancreas → produces insulin to control blood sugar
Major Exocrine Glands ⬇
- Sweat glands → found in the skin, help regulate body temperature.
- Salivary glands → produce saliva that moistens the mouth & helps in digestion.
- Sebaceous glands → found in skin, produce sebum (oil) to keep skin soft.
- Lacrimal glands (tear glands) → release slight enzymes which help clean and protect the eyes.
- Prostate gland (male) → produces fluid that nourishes sperm.
- Pancreas → produces digestive juices to keep the GI moist and prevent infections.
WHY DOES EXERCISE MAKE PEOPLE FEEL BETTER
Exercise has powerful effects on both the mind and body.
This happens through a combination of processes:
- Release of “feel good” chemicals → endorphins, dopamine, serotonin, and oxytocin.
- Improve mood, energy, and focus while reducing anxiety and lifting sleep quality.
- Reduction of stress hormones
- Exercise helps lower cortisol (the primary stress hormone).
- High cortisol levels lead to stress, fatigue, and anxiety.
- Regular exercise lowers cortisol levels and promotes relaxation.
- Increased Oxygen and Blood Flow to the Brain
- Improves brain circulation which delivers more oxygen and nutrients.
- Increases alertness and brain functioning.
- Mental benefits: better attention, focus, and memory.
- Regulation of the Nervous System
- Exercise activates the parasympathetic nervous system, improving relaxation and recovery.
- Helps the body regulate heart rate, temperature, and digestion efficiently.
- Improvement in Sleep Quality
- Exercise helps regulate circadian rhythm (natural sleep/wake cycle).
- Increases serotonin and promotes deeper sleep which improves mood.
TO CLARIFY (Nervous System)
The nervous system is made up of two main parts:
- The central nervous system (CNS) → includes the brain and spinal cord; controls most functions.
- The peripheral nervous system (PNS) → includes all nerves outside of the brain and spinal cord.
- It carries information to and from the CNS.
- The interactions that make up the “nervous system” = signals that travel through neurons.
Here’s the exact transcription of all three notebook pages — formatted precisely how you wrote them (same capitalization, punctuation, and layout):
6. Boost self esteem + confidence
• Regular exercise can improve body image + self-perception → might lead to improved self-esteem.
• Completing workouts align with a sense of accomplishment which helps with positive mindset.
7. Social and Environmental Benefits
• Physical activity releases social + environmental benefits.
• Being part of fitness communities, classes, sports, and teams strengthens social relationships + improved mental well-being.
• Participating outdoors offers additional mood-boosting benefits as exposure to sunlight reduces stress and enhances feelings of peace.
8. Long term protection against mental health
• Consistent physical activity reduces stress and the risk of developing depression, anxiety, and cognitive decline.
• It helps maintain emotional resilience + stability → easier to cope with daily stressors or challenges.
COGNITIVE DEFINITION
cog·ni·tive
cognitive (adjective)
= “related to being or involving conscious intellectual activity (thinking, remembering, reading).”
RELATED: cognitively / cognition
SYNONYMS:
reasonable, analytical, perception, awareness
SSRIs
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors
SSRIs are one of the most commonly prescribed antidepressants used to treat depression, anxiety disorders, and OCD.
They work by increasing serotonin levels in the brain (a neurotransmitter that regulates emotions and overall well-being/mood).
How SSRIs work?
• SSRIs block the reabsorption (reuptake) of serotonin in the brain, allowing for more serotonin to be available in the synapse.
• This increased serotonin level creates a longer-lasting “feel-good” effect.
Common SSRIs (brand name)
- Fluoxetine (Prozac) → depression, OCD
- Sertraline (Zoloft) → depression, anxiety, panic disorder
- Escitalopram (Lexapro) → depression, anxiety
- Paroxetine (Paxil) → depression, panic disorder, OCD
- Citalopram (Celexa) → depression, anxiety
- Fluvoxamine (Luvox) → OCD, social anxiety
Benefits of SSRIs
• Effective for many mental health conditions.
• Can help regulate emotions and reduce obsessions or negative thoughts.
• Fewer side effects than older antidepressants.
Potential side effects
• Common: nausea, headache, dizziness, fatigue.
• Emotional effects: some people temporarily feel heightened anxiety in the first few weeks.
• Weight gain or loss (varies).
How long do they take to work?
• SSRIs can take anywhere from 4–6 weeks to feel full effects.
• Most start with a low dose and increase slowly if needed.
Who shouldn’t take SSRIs?
• People taking MAOIs (older type of antidepressant) → dangerous interaction.
• Individuals with seizures, liver disease, or severe bipolar disorder.
• SSRIs can worsen mania in people with bipolar disorder.
• People with serotonin syndrome (caused by too much serotonin).
• Those under other antidepressants should never mix without medical approval.
• People extremely sensitive to medication or with other mental health conditions (mood or irritability).
Neurotransmitters and their roles
(4 major ones!)
• Serotonin → calm and mood regulation; low levels = depression/anxiety.
• Dopamine → involved in motivation and reward; low levels = ADHD or depression.
• Norepinephrine → affects alertness, focus, energy; low levels = ADHD.
• GABA (Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid) → calming neurotransmitter; low levels = anxiety disorders.
Why Mental Health matters during growth
The growing brain and body
Based on recent research, the child/adolescent’s developing brain and body are still growing while forming connections that shape lifelong behavior.
Since mental health plays a significant role in shaping emotions and biology, struggles that manifest at this age (between adolescence + childhood) tend to carry on as the brain learns to handle stress.
I also drew the body — for example:
Anxiety can show up as sleep problems, fast thinking, and stomach aches.
Depression can affect appetite, mood, and keep processing slower.
I started researching how disorders like OCD start mainly during early growth but many don’t get help early.
How psychiatry and anatomy are connected
Psychiatry (mental health care) and anatomy (study of the body) can be analyzed together to explain how physical + emotional health connect.
The brain affects the body as much as the body affects the brain.
When the emotional health is strong, the physical health improves just as much — showing mental support is as important as physical.
The long term impact
Childhood resilience and support help shape lifelong coping skills.
Struggles like trauma or neglect can lead to stress issues later.
Kids learn to manage their emotions better when mental health is prioritized early.
The early years is a good chance to build the same understanding of physical health and psychology.
Understanding psychiatry and anatomy together helps connect how your brain + body work.
Conclusion
This is why I believe mental health is just as important as physical — especially during growth.
math tab: strong math skills like prombkem solving and logical thinking are really useful in mental health fields like psychology and psychiatry. These skills help analyze data, understand research, and make better decisions when diagnosing or prescribing patients.