PSYC 3406 Chapter Notes - Chapter 3: Electroconvulsive Therapy, Basal Ganglia, Psychoactive Drug

• School: Northeastern University
• Department: Psychology
• Course: PSYC 3406
• Professor: Dawn M.Cisewski

Document Summary

This disease has been traced to a loss of cells in the basal ganglia and cortex. Synapse: the tiny space between the nerve ending of one neuron and the dendrite of another. Neurotransmitter: a chemical that, released by one neuron, crosses the synaptic space to be received at receptors on the dendrites of neighboring neurons. Receptor: a site on a neuron that receives a neurotransmitter: studies indicate that abnormal activity by certain neurotransmitters can lead to specific mental disorders. Depression, for example, has been linked to low activity of the neurotransmitters serotonin and norepinephrine: genes that contribute to mental disorders are typically viewed as unfortunate occurrences almost mistakes of inheritance. For example, research suggests that schizophrenia, a disorder marked by delusions, hallucinations, or other departures from reality, may be related to exposure to certain viruses during childhood or before birth. Biological treatment: drug therapy most common, electroconvulsive therapy, psychosurgery.