Biological Perspective to Depression - Coursework Example

Biological Perspective to Depression This paper analyzes biological perspective approach to depression as one of most crucial across the world. In addition, it gives the nature vs. nurture analysis in regard to its importance. Consequently, it articulates on the psychological functioning, and different treatment methods. Biological Perspective to Depression Apparently, depression is one the numerous diseases that have been regarded as having increased rapidly in relation to health problems. In fact, it is estimated that depression is the second largest health problems in recent years affecting all groups of persons from men, women and young children. According to Mays & Croake (1997), depression is denoted as a disorder that is relatively complex to an extent of causing a series of symptoms such as impaired concentration, behavioral, emotional and biological symptoms. As such, biological approach to depression argues that the disease is caused by the physiological malfunctioning of a human body. Additionally, the approach articulates that the disorder can be treated by rectifying the malfunction. Thus, scholars have articulated that biology is one of the major contributors toward the development of depression because the disorder is mostly inherited with no evident influences that come from the environment. According to Daley (2000), women are 70% more likely to experience the disorder as compared to men while age limits increase with the level of likely experiencing the disorder. Importance of biological approach to depression According to Zettle (2007), it is crucial that human beings understand the basis of how their body functions. This is because the biological perception of the human body is close related to human behavior as opposed to physiological level because the human body constitutes of neural and hormonal reactions. Moreover, the knowledge of such behavior gives an automatic solution on how the disorder can easily be treated by use of appropriate drugs. In contrast to this, critics have argued that the biological approach to the disorder could only be based on reductionist reasoning as many patients are not aware of their body in biological perspectives such as the knowledge on how the serotonin functions in the body, and the mind problem. Thus, they insist that genes are not easy to separate from the environment in relation to influencing behavior, and that behavior is socially and culturally determined. Nature vs. Nurture debate on depression It is worth noting that the nature vs. nurture debate on depression had continuously been held across the world. Nevertheless, nature has arguably outdone nurture because most of the causes of depression are environmentally instigated. Basically, it is believed that nature concept of depression is in support of the improvement of the living environmental condition of human beings (patients of depression) to ensure that human beings are healthy and happy. Consequently, it promotes the concept of having healthy individuals rather than opting to treat them of illnesses (Daley, 2000). Differences in physiological functioning Biological approach denotes low levels of neurotransmitter serotonin. To increase levels of serotonin in the brain, medication can be used towards this effect. Ideally, medication is used to balance different chemicals in the brain. For instance, serotonin imbalance causes arousal of general happiness. Low levels of serotonin leads to unhappiness mood. Serotonin is indispensable when it comes to playing fundamental role in regulating different biological functions including memory enhancement, sleep among others. When individuals become sad, the level of serotonin in the brain becomes imbalanced. This means that, its basic functions fail or become weak, leading to different psychological or mental disorders. However, it has been documented that biological perspective and its application in different psychological conditions is in regard to genetics and chemical reactions in the brain. There is also the issue of hereditary factors that dictates change of moods to different individuals (Alpert & Fava, 2003). Eysenck’s trait The works of Eysenck’s trait theory explains the cause of moodiness. The theory of Eysenck denotes individual’s tendency to become upset or emotional. However, several biological factors such as chemical composition of the brain enable individuals to remain emotionally stable (Zettle, 2007). Neurotransmitters Research suggests possible correlation between slow production of neurons and low moods. However, medication has been considered ideal in raising the level of chemicals that cause imbalance in the chemical messengers (neurotransmitters). They are critical in enhancing how nerve cells communicate with one another. Additionally, neurotransmitters are essential in regulating several other body functions such as sleep, aggression, mood, and sexual behavior among others. Research has documented that the increase cases of moodiness is attributable to decrease in the production of serotonin by the neurons, whose coordination is done by neurotransmitters (Zettle, 2007). Psychoticism When people are angry with different situations or people, they tend to have difficulties dealing with the reality thus developing antisocial behaviors, become hostile and even manipulative. Such people would require different treatment approaches that would help them recover. Medication plus psychological support can help such individuals recover. Medication involves examination of imbalance of the brain chemical composition and giving the patient the required amount of chemical missing or that is low (Kasper et al., 2003). Hormones Different hormonal imbalance mostly in women has been attributable to change of mood. For instance, change of hormonal levels in pregnant women is responsible for change of mood and attitude. Reproductive hormones play a big part in women especially those that are approaching menopause. Issues that affect women such as miscarriage, unwanted pregnancies and infertility have been connected to change of hormones that later affect their attitudes and moods. Therefore, from any angle of the view of the issue of hormones and the part they play in dictating people’s moods and attitudes, the focal point is on their imbalance. Medication can boost low hormones and regulate the imbalance condition (Kasper et al., 2003). Biological Treatment for Depression Numerous studies have affirm that biological approach gives more explanation on behavior and experiences in reference to physical processes of the body. For instance, scholars have argued that when individuals feel stressed, it mostly emanates from sensation of a pounding heart and palms that are sweaty. Kasper et al., (2003) argue that neurotransmitter serotonin is very crucial in the regulation of most of psychological functions of a human being. These functions are inclusive of sexual behavior, eating, aggression and the levels of mood oriented activities in the body. In respect to current studies, the reduction of serotonin production in the body results to depression in most people particularly on the state of mood, thus resulting to strong feeling towards committing suicide. Consequently, depression could be treated through the use of both psychotherapy and drug therapy. Essentially, psychotherapy is the main treatment that is recommended for depression. Of importance to note is that this mode of treatment entails a talk session where the patient engages with medical practitioner in a conversation about his or her condition. Apparently, the talk sessions are meant to ensure that the patient understands the behavior and emotions that result to depression, understand the events and related challenges that could lead to major illnesses, as well as, regain the sense of control and pleasure in life (Alpert & Fava,2003). On the other hand, drug treatment entail the use of three groups of medication namely; antidepressants, tranquillizers, and mood stabilizers. To begin with, antidepressants are used to modify various functions of the body after the cause of depression has been determined. In addition, tranquillizers are divided in minor and major types and they also differ depending on type of depression. While minor tranquillizers are known to be addictive, major tranquillizers assist in controlling psychotic symptoms. The mood stabilizers are said to be very crucial in bipolar disorder as they are known to reduce excessive and frequency occurrence of mood swings in patients. Another mode of treatment is known as Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) that is mostly used to treat psychotic depression, severe post-natal depression, life threatening mania among other disorders. It is worth noting that though the method has been termed as controversial, it has been regarded as relatively safe procedure with regard to its functions (Alpert & Fava, 2003). Alpert, J. & Fava, M. (2003). Handbook of Chronic Depression: Diagnosis and Therapeutic Management. New York: CRC Press. Daley, S. (2000). Depression and sensitization to stressors among young women as a function of childhood adversity. Journal of consulting and clinical psychology, 64 (5), 782-787. Kasper, S., et al. (2003). Handbook of Depression and Anxiety: A Biological Approach. New York: CRC Press. Mays, M, & Croake, J. (1997).Treatment of Depression in Managed Care. New York: Psychology Press. Zettle, R. (2007). ACT for depression: a clinicians guide to using acceptance & commitment therapy in treating depression. Oakland, CA: New Harbinger Publications. Read More