6 Mental Disorders and Their Locations in the Brain
Have you ever wondered which parts of the brain are affected when issues like ADHD, ADD, addiction, anxiety disorder, bipolar disorder, depression, or eating disorders occur? Here is a rundown of exactly where in the brain those disorders stem from. While you are reading along, check out the micrographic as well, provided by the Holiner Psychiatric Group. If you click on it you will be able to see it better.
ADHD & ADD
People with ADHD may have trouble controlling impulsive behaviors or paying attention. ADD is very similar to ADHD and is characterized by hyperactivity, impulsiveness, and inattention. In the brain, these disorders occur in the cerebrum, limbic system, the reticular activating system, and the cerebral cortex.
Addiction
Psychologists categorize many addictions ranging from food, gambling, gaming, shopping, and many others. Addiction takes place in the frontal lobe, the insular cortex, and the thalamus as a result of increased amounts of dopamine, which leads you to do more of whatever increased it. Dopamine is the hormone/neurotransmitter that increases pleasure.
Anxiety Disorder
High anxiety manifests itself increasingly depending on how often you are anxious. If you are anxious often, your neural pathways will be accustomed to receiving anxiety neurotransmitters. Once they become accustomed to them, it is even easier to become anxious. Anxiety causes the hippocampus and the frontal lobe to decrease in size over the long term. Anxiety is also linked to the frontal lobe, the insular cortex, and the thalamus.
Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder is characterized by a person having alternating periods of being manic and being depressed. In other words, the disorder causes unusual shifts in mood, energy, and activity levels. The symptoms are more extreme than the normal mood changes produced in a normal brain. Bipolar Disorder affects the amygdala, the hippocampus, the hypothalamus, the brain stem, and the cerebral cortex.
Depression
Depression is associated with feelings of hopelessness, inadequacy, can result in lack of energy, and can cause people to have difficulty being motivated to do things. Depression takes place in the brain stem and the anterior cortex.
Eating Disorders
There are many types of eating disorders, though they are all linked to the thalamus. Like addictions, eating disorders are caused by getting pleasure from eating. Dopamine is produced and causes the person to want the dopamine more often, thus resulting in eating disorders like bulimia, anorexia, and overeating.
