Mental illness brain chemistry

Chemistry of THE Brain Molecules, Mood, AND Mental Illness... 

Chemistry of the Brain Molecules, Mood, and Mental Illness 71... 

LeDoux, Joseph. Synaptic Self How Our Brains Become Who We Are. New York Penguin, 2003. LeDoux, a researcher at New York University, examines some of the most fundamental issues of brain science, such as consciousness. LeDoux is a fine writer, and included in the discussion is his interesting perspective on the biology and chemistry of mental illness. 

Another theory of mental illness postulates endogenous alkaloid formation. Aldehydes formed by oxidation of catecholamines as well as formaldehyde and acetaldehyde are present in tissues in small amounts. Condensation with amines could generate Schiff bases and alkaloids as in Fig. 25-10. This "plant chemistry" is spontaneous and can apparently take place in the brain, where it may have a potent effect. 

Pauling, in recent years, researched the chemistry of the brain and mental illness, the cause of sickle-cell anemia, and the effects of large doses of Vitamin C on the common cold and on cancer. On August 19, 1994, Pauling, himself, died of cancer at the age of 93. 

Researchers find that abuse and violence can alter a child s brain chemistry, placing him or her at risk for various problems, including drug abuse, cognitive disabilities, and mental illness later in life. 

Golden, Frederic. Mental Illness Probing the Chemistry of the Brain. Time 157 (January 2001). 

Pfeiffer, C.C., and the Pubhcations Committee of the Brain Bio Center. 1988b. Nntrition and Mental Illness An Orthomolecular Approach to Balancing Body Chemistry. Rochester, VT Inner Traditions International. 

A major revolution in the diagnosis and treatment of mental illness has taken place in the last two decades. Several forms of depression, paranoia, and schizophrenia have been shown to have chemical and genetic bases. Remarkable improvement in behavior often results from altering the chemistry of the brain by using chemical therapy. Similar progress may result from the use of gene therapy (discussed in Chapter 24). 

Depression is a holistic illness that affects every aspect of who we are as human beings. It only makes sense to address it from every available angle, both with regard to our bodies and brain chemistry and vis-i-vis our psyches and spirits. So in this book, I offer you a revolutionary model for treating depression, one that integrates physical, mental, and spiritual approaches to help you discover the chemistry of joy —that mysterious mix of body, mind, and spirit that Thoreau called the condition of life. ... 

The regional chemistry of molecules, such as epinephrine, dopamine (DA), or serotonin (5-hydroxytryptoamine, 5-HT), can now be examined in the brain of patients with mental illness. One day, a patient s diagnosis will be his name, characterized by a personal database containing all the patient s manifestations of health or disease. 

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