Showing posts with label Brain science. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Brain science. Show all posts

Wednesday, July 26, 2017

Dopamine, the reward neurotransmitter

Learn about the limbic system and the biochemical processes that allow this key brain region to process rewards. The limbic system links together a number of brain structures that control and regulate our ability to feel pleasure. Feeling pleasure motivates us to repeat behaviors that are critical to our existence. The limbic system is activated by healthy, life-sustaining activities such as eating and socializing—but it is also activated by drugs of abuse, which is why they can hijack this circuit and lead to a compulsive cycle of drug use and, in many cases, addiction. In addition, the limbic system is responsible for our perception of other emotions, both positive and negative, which explains the mood-altering properties of many drugs.

Saturday, March 11, 2017

Psychotherapy normalizes the brain in social phobia

A study conducted by researchers from the University of Zurich, Zurich University Hospital and the University Hospital of Psychiatry Zurich now reveals that the successful treatment of an anxiety disorder alters key brain structures that are involved in processing and regulating emotions.
Cognitive behavioral therapy pivotal
In patients suffering from social anxiety disorder, regulation of excessive anxiety by frontal and lateral brain areas is impaired.
Strategies aimed at regulating emotions should restore the balance between cortical and subcortical brain areas.
These strategies are practised in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which is a central therapy for social anxiety disorder.
For more click here.