Biology And Good Mental Health Critical Thinking Paper March

Biology And Good Mental Healthcritical Thinking Papermarch 11 2020int

Biology and Good Mental Health Critical thinking paper March 11, 2020

Introduction The relationship that exists between biology and mental health is a complex one. Over the years, there has been considerable debate among scholars, researchers and scientists as to the effect’s biology has on mental health. While some believe biology plays a major role in the mental health of human; others on the other hand believe the effect of biology if any, on mental health is minimal. According to Eric Kandel, a Noble Prize winner and a professor at the Brain Science Department at Columbia University, mental processes are also brain processes and therefore, all mental disorders functioning such as depression and anxiety are biological diseases (Weir, 2012).

This claim is gradually gaining popularity in recent time due to the increase in sophisticated research. The purpose of this paper is to determine if biology has meaningful impact on human mental health and biotechnology.

Biology In its simplest definition, Biology is the science of life. According to Bagley (2017), Biology is derived from two Greek words; “bios,” which means life, and “logos,” which means study. Putting these two words together, therefore, means the study of life. It is not surprising that biologists over the years have spent substantial time studying the structure, growth, function, origin, evolution, and distribution of living organisms, including humans.

There are several branches of Biology including Biochemistry, Botany, Cellular Biology, Ecology, Evolutionary Biology, Genetics, Molecular Biology, and Zoology. One of these branches that closely relates to the theme of this paper is physiology, which deals with the study of the functions of organisms and their parts. Physiology also breaks down the parts of organisms including humans and studies how their functions relate to each other. In other words, physiology focuses on the internal workings of organisms and how they interact and influence each other.

In a broader sense, physiology includes concepts such as the circulatory, digestive, excretory, endocrine, immune, integumentary, musculoskeletal, nervous, renal, reproductive, and respiratory systems. These systems interact and are believed to be controlled by the brain, linking directly to psychology and mental health.

Mental Health Mental health refers to the behavioral, cognitive, and emotional wellbeing of living organisms (Legg, 2017). It entails how humans think, feel, behave, and their capacity to enjoy life. For instance, issues related to mental health include anxiety, fear, depression, among others. According to the World Health Organization, mental health is the state of wellbeing where a person can cope with normal stresses and participate productively in work and community activities.

This definition highlights that mental health is not merely the absence of mental disorders but a state that enables positive interaction with one’s environment. A good mental state promotes healthy behaviors, whereas poor mental health can discourage such behaviors. Statistics show that approximately one in five Americans experience mental health issues annually (Legg, 2017). Furthermore, in 2005, about 9.8 million adults had serious mental disorders, constituting 4.8% of the adult population. These figures underscore the importance of understanding the biological underpinnings of mental health.

The Connection between Biology and Mental Health Critical study of various research findings establishes a strong link between biology and mental health. One prominent model is LeDoux and Pine’s two-system theory, which explains the biological basis of fear responses (LeDoux & Pine, 2016). According to this theory, a fear system exists in the mammalian brain, where the presence of threat activates neural circuits that produce conscious feelings of fear and physiological responses.

Specifically, the first system is responsible for generating conscious feelings, while the second controls the behavioral and physiological responses without conscious awareness. The amygdala—a key brain structure—plays a central role in this process. When a threat is perceived, the lateral nucleus of the amygdala activates, triggering bodily reactions such as increased heart rate, stress hormone release, and alertness. This demonstrates how biological processes at the neural level directly influence emotional states and behavior (LeDoux & Pine, 2016).

Research also indicates that mental illnesses are linked to abnormalities in nerve cell circuitry. For example, dysregulation in neurotransmitter systems—such as serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine—is associated with depression, anxiety, and schizophrenia (WebMD, 2018). Neurotransmitters facilitate communication between neurons, and imbalances can disrupt mood regulation and cognitive functions. Pharmacological treatments often target these neurotransmitter systems, evidencing the biological basis of mental disorders.

Furthermore, genetic factors significantly contribute to mental health. Studies have shown that mental illnesses like bipolar disorder and schizophrenia have heritable components, suggesting a genetic predisposition (Gershon, 2017). Variations in specific genes influence brain development and neurotransmitter functioning, thereby affecting mental health outcomes. In addition, prenatal damage and infections can also influence brain development, increasing vulnerability to mental disorders in later life (Kalkbrenner et al., 2014).

Injury to particular brain regions, such as the prefrontal cortex or hippocampus, can impair emotional regulation and cognitive functions, leading to psychological issues (Anney et al., 2012). Therefore, biological factors—ranging from neural circuitry and neurotransmitter imbalances to genetic predispositions—play a vital role in shaping mental health.

Assertion The evidence from contemporary neuroscience and clinical studies convincingly supports the notion that biology substantially influences mental health. Neural structures like the amygdala, hippocampus, and prefrontal cortex are integral to emotional regulation and response to stress. Dysfunctions or structural abnormalities in these regions are frequently observed in individuals suffering from mental illnesses such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) (van der Kolk et al., 2014).

Genetic studies corroborate the biological basis by demonstrating heritable components of many mental health disorders. Variations in genes related to neurotransmitter regulation affect mental stability, mood, and susceptibility to disorders. The neurochemical and structural changes in the brain underscore an inherent biological foundation for mental health issues (Sullivan et al., 2012). This convergence of evidence indicates that mental health cannot be understood solely from psychological or environmental perspectives but must include biological determinants.

Conclusion The relationship between biology and mental health is profound and multifaceted. Advances in neuroscience have elucidated how brain structures, neural circuitry, neurotransmitter systems, and genetics underpin mental health and illness. The two-system theory exemplifies how biological processes generate conscious emotional states like fear and anxiety, while neural circuit abnormalities are linked to mental disorders. Recognizing the biological basis of mental health fosters a holistic approach to treatment, integrating pharmacological, psychological, and genetic strategies.

Future research into epigenetics and neuroplasticity offers promising avenues for interventions that modify biological processes to improve mental health outcomes. Understanding this intricate biological-mental health nexus not only demystifies the origins of mental illness but also facilitates the development of more effective, personalized treatment methods that address the biological roots of mental disorders.

References

• Anney, R. J., et al. (2012). Genetic association analysis identifies new risk loci for schizophrenia. Nature, 511(7510), 423-429.
• Bagley, M. (2017). What is Biology. LiveScience. https://www.livescience.com/51969-what-is-biology.html
• Gershon, E. S. (2017). Genetics of bipolar disorder. CNS Spectrums, 22(2), 146-150.
• Kalkbrenner, A. E., et al. (2014). Prenatal infections and the risk of mental illness: A review. Neurotoxicology, 45, 34-54.
• LeDoux, J., & Pine, D. (2016). Using Neuroscience to Help Understand Fear and Anxiety: A Two-System Framework. Biological Psychiatry, 78(5), 306-312.
• Legg, T. (2017). What is Mental Health?. Medical News Today. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/154543
• Sullivan, P. F., et al. (2012). Genetic epidemiology of major depression: Review and meta-analysis. Molecular Psychiatry, 17(4), 378-390.
• Van der Kolk, B. A., et al. (2014). The neuroscience of trauma and resilience. European Journal of Psychotraumatology, 5(1), 21631.
• WebMD. (2018). Causes of Mental Illness. https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/mental-health-causes
• Weir, K. (2012). The Root of Mental Illness. Monitor on Psychology, 43(6), 58-61.