Treatment FAQ

how does knowledge of neurobiological factors affect treatment

by Prof. Petra Hansen V Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago

Although only ten relevant studies were found, it appears that specific neurobiological factors actually can predict treatment outcome. Especially low levels of physiological arousal, such as a low resting heart rate and low cortisol levels, were predictive of poor treatment outcome.

Full Answer

How can Neurobiological findings contribute to the design of treatment strategies?

In regard to psychotherapy neurobiological findings can contribute decisively in the design of an appropriate treatment strategy. The clinical picture PTSD sufferers present is characterized by the disruption of experience, movement and action, the tendency to respond to triggers in the here and now with automatically activated action patterns o...

What causes neurobiological disorders?

Most neurobiological disorders are due to fluctuations in these levels. These disorders can also be caused by issues in the ways that neurotransmitters are sent or received. Fluctuations can be caused by over or under-production of neurotransmitters. They can also be caused by damage to the neurons themselves.

How does neurobiology affect behavior?

How Does Neurobiology Affect Behavior? Each region of the brain affects a different area of behavior, and neurobiology aims to understand these behaviors and the connection to different parts of the brain.

Do neurobiological measures add to the prediction of outcome?

This regression approach makes it possible to find out whether neurobiological measures add to the prediction of treatment outcome over and above background variables (e.g. age, country of birth) and psychological or behavioral measures (e.g. motivation level, aggression).

Why is it important for mental health professionals to understand the neurobiological basis of psychological disorders?

Because mental illness has a substantial brain component, and even single conditions are highly heterogeneous, understanding a person's neurobiology will help select the treatment protocols most likely to work the first time, or most quickly, rather than having clients endure repeated treatment failures.

What is neurobiological treatment?

In the last few years, a number of neurobiological interventions addressing neuropsychological and behavioral deficits have been studied. These include neuropsychological training, mindfulness training, nutritional supplementation, psychophysiological feedback and medication supplementation.

Why is it important to understand the neurobiology of trauma?

The neurobiology of trauma--essentially the effects of trauma on the brain--is important to understand because it helps break down common misconceptions and victim-blaming about gender-based violence and it helps survivors to understand their experience and the aftermath in a new way.

What are the neurobiological factors?

Studies examining the potential role that neurocognition, psychophysiology, and structural/functional brain abnormalities play in the development of internalizing and externalizing problems.

Why is neuroscience important in Counselling?

Neuroscience provides explanations that can be used for psychoeducation. Psychoeducation, long a mainstay of counselling, involves helping clients and their families learn about the nature of their problems, including practical information on how they might address social, psychological, economic, and other issues.

What is the difference between neurobiology and neurology?

Many researchers say that neuroscience means the same as neurobiology. However, neurobiology looks at the biology of the nervous system, while neuroscience refers to anything to do with the nervous system.

How does trauma affect neurobiology?

An emotional trauma may induce a cascade of neurobiological events that have long-lasting consequences even altered gene expression. Early abuse and neglect can deregulate the child's developing neurobiological system by reducing its resistance to stressful events, leading to later problems of emotional regulation.

What are neurobiological changes?

These neurobiological changes can, in turn, influence a number of critical cognitive and emotional processes (i.e., executive function, emotion regulation, and that, when disturbed, may represent transdiagnostic risk factors for trauma-related psychopathology, such as PTSD and depression.

What is trauma from a neurological perspective?

Neurobiology of trauma teaches us that the body's responses to trauma are . Trauma creates disruption in the limbic system of the brain which stores emotional responses to experiences.

What does neurobiological mean in psychology?

Neurobiology is the study of the nervous system and how the brain works. The field studies nervous system functions, brain function and the related structures such as the spinal cord. Neurobiology is a subset of both physiology and neuroscience.

What is the study of neurobiology?

The Intellectual Basis: Neurobiology is concerned with uncovering the biological mechanisms by which nervous systems mediate behavior. Over the past half century, much of neurobiology has focused on the cells of the nervous system.

How does language acquisition takes place according to the neurobiological perspective?

The model assumes two conditions must be met in order to acquire full knowledge of a particular language: first, that the learner is motivated to acquire the language; and second, that the learner is equipped with the ability to acquire grammatical knowledge.

Which neuropeptides have an increased activity?

Corticotrophin (CRH) and Norepinephrine (NE) neurons , both neuropeptides have an increased activity thus contributing to exaggerated stress responses, numbing, analgesia and disassociation.

Which branch of intervention takes advantage of the PTSD neuroimaging findings in regard to the deactivation of the pre?

3.A third branch of intervention takes advantage of the PTSD neuroimaging findings in regard to the deactivation of the prefrontal cortex. PTSD sufferers are inhibited in their executive functions and encounter great difficulties in the attendance and integration of emotions, inner sensations and cognition.

What is the central mechanism of PTSD?

When exposed to stress, neurons in the hypothalamic ventricular nucleus (PVN) secrete Corticotrophin releasing hormone (CRH) that stimulates the production and release of Adreno Corticotrophin (ACTH) into the anterior pituitary. Glucocorticoids are stimulated by ACTH and released by the adrenal cortex. Glucocorticoids are the central modulator of metabolism, brain and immune functionality in order to coordinate the physiological management of stress. ACTH is transported to the adrenal gland where the hormone cortisol is produced. Cortisol activates via the Locus Coeruleus and the Norepinephrine system (NE) the Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS) and gives negative feedback to both the hypothalamus and the anterior pituitary.

Why is awareness based therapy effective?

In practical terms, the suggested awareness-based body oriented therapy can be effective because contributes to re - establish a sense of physical control, enhance physical boundaries, uses breath and body movement in order to modify physiological arousal and focuses on assuring in a physical manner the experience of being protected [ 24 - 29 ].

Which neurotransmitter is involved in PTSD?

In regard to neurochemicals by PTSD abnormal regulation was found in catecholamine, serotonin, amino acids, peptide and opioid neurotransmitters, all of them having a regulating and integrating function for fear and stress responses in the brain circuitry ( Figure 2 ).

Is glutamate a neurotransmitter?

GABA, an amino acid, is a neurotransmitter with inhibitory influence in the brain. According to several studies [ 6] decreased GABA activity was found by PTSD sufferers thus explaining their restricted ability to moderate physiological reactions to stress and anxiety. On the other hand Glutamate, the primary excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain that binds to N– methyl D-aspartate receptors (NMDA) is responsible for the consolidation of memories. It was found to have increased levels by PTSD sufferers thus contributing to the consolidation of trauma memories, de - realization reactions and disassociation phenomena.

Is PTSD a phenomenology?

These effects might last throughout life and even persist to the next generation. As a variety of clinical phenotypes are consistent with the phenomenology of PTSD a decision was made in the DSM V to no longer consider PTSD as an anxiety disorder and attach it to the new category “ Trauma and stress related disorders”.

Abstract

The current study investigates the predictive value of neurobiological factors in relation to detainees' treatment outcome, in order to better understand why some individuals respond favorably to treatment while others do not.

Introduction

Throughout the world, more than ten million people are confined in penal institutions ( Walmsley, 2013 ). Incarcerating people with criminal behavior is the most widely used strategy to protect society against crime, but the recidivism rate after confinement is high.

Method

The current sample consisted of 121 male detainees with a mean age of 28.79 ( SD = 8.57), who had been selected by the Probation Service to take part in a cognitive skills training aimed at reducing cognitive deficits (see the Cognitive Skills Training Section).

Materials

The Dutch version (NLV) of the National Adult Reading Test ( Nelson, 1982, Nelson and O'Connell, 1978, Schmand et al., 1992 ). 3 The total NLV score appears to correlate highly with the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale total IQ score (.74) and the total verbal IQ score (.85) ( Schmand et al., 1992 ).

Analyses

Missing values were detected on predictor variables, with a mean of 7% missing values per variable (range: 0-19%). Missing data on predictor variables was mainly due to incomplete questionnaires or non-response by mail. In addition, technical difficulties (e.g.

Results

Descriptive statistics of participants’ results in terms of pre-assessment performance are presented in Table 1. Furthermore, results on treatment outcome measures are also displayed.

Discussion

The present study addressed the predictive value of neurobiological factors in relation to detainees’ treatment outcome, in order to better understand why some individuals respond well to treatment while others do not. In general, various individual characteristics (e.g.

Why do neurobiological disorders occur?

Most neurobiological disorders are due to fluctuations in these levels. These disorders can also be caused by issues in the ways that neurotransmitters are sent or received. Fluctuations can be caused by over- or under-production of neurotransmitters. They can also be caused by damage to the neurons themselves.

How Does Neurobiology Affect Behavior?

Neuroscientific studies have identified the role of the frontal lobe in contributing to personality, emotions, judgment, problem solving, abstract thought, attention, and planning. One distinct function found in the frontal lobe is speech, thanks to Broca’s area. The parietal lobe and the occipital lobe are each involved in interpretation. The parietal lobe contributes to interpreting language, visual signals, and spatial perception whereas the occipital lobe hosts our visual cortices. The temporal lobe includes Wernicke’s area, a key part of the brain for understanding language. The temporal lobe also hosts our auditory cortex and is therefore key for hearing.

What is Neurobiology?

Neurobiology is a scientific field in which researchers study the nervous system and brain function. Both neuroscience and physiology benefit from research findings in neurobiology. The full vertebrate nervous system includes both the central and peripheral nervous systems. The central nervous system consists of the brain, retina, and spinal cord. The peripheral nervous system comprises of the nerves outside the central nervous system that connect it to the rest of the body.

What are the Types of Neurobiology Research?

A. Behavioral neurobiology: An interdisciplinary branch of behavioral neuroscience. Also referred to as biological psychology, biopsychology, psychobiology, or neuroethology. Researchers in this field study how the central nervous system translates biologically relevant stimuli into natural behavior. Specialties in this area examine how the mechanics of neurobiology control behavior, such as learning and memory.

What is the basic structure of neurobiology?

Basic neurobiology at the tissue level is composed of neurons, glial cells, and the extracellular matrix. Neurons are the nervous system’s cells that process information. Glial cells provide nourishment, protection, and structural support to neurons. The extracellular matrix in the brain provides support on the molecular level for both neurons ...

What is the study of the nervous system?

Neurobiology is the study of the nervous system and how the brain works. The field studies nervous system functions, brain function and the related structures such as the spinal cord. Neurobiology is a subset of both physiology and neuroscience.

Why is EEG important?

EEG is recognized as an important clinical tool for understanding the relationships between brain functions and behavior. EEG is widely used by researchers for noninvasive brain studies. Cognitive, perceptual, and motor activity associated with the processing of information can be evaluated using EEG.

What is the role of dopamine in neurobiology?

Genetic, pharmacological, imaging, and animal models highlight the important role of dopamine dysregulation in the neurobiology of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. To date, stimulants are the most effective psychopharmacological treatments available for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder.

What are the environmental factors that contribute to ADHD?

Pre-, peri- and postnatal environmental factors play an important role in the pathogenesis of ADHD. Prenatal factors are associated with maternal lifestyle during pregnancy. For example, prenatal alcohol exposure is known to induce brain structural anomalies, especially in the cerebellum [26]. Children exposed prenatally to alcohol can become hyperactive, disruptive, impulsive, and are at an increased risk of a range of psychiatric disorders [27,28]. Maternal smoking produces a 2.7-fold increased risk for ADHD [29], and a dose-response relationship between maternal smoking during pregnancy and hyperactivity has been reported [30]. This may be due to an effect on nicotinic receptors, which modulate dopaminergic activity. Dopaminergic disruption is believed to be involved in the pathophysiology of ADHD [31,32].

Is neuroimaging a neurobiology?

Recently, neuroima ging has led to several important advances in the understanding of the neurobiology underlying the clinical picture of ADHD, and demonstrates a clear brain basis to the disorder in regions involved in attention, and executive and inhibitory control [15,16]. Furthermore, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) has provided evidence that intracortical inhibition, as indexed by the immature ipsilateral motor cortex, normalises with psychostimulant treatment [17]. There is an exciting confluence between emerging studies in basic neurobiology and the genetic, neuroimaging, and neuropsychological analyses of ADHD. Knowledge of neurobiology can offer child neurologists, psychiatrists and other healthcare professionals a valuable framework for the interpretation of clinical findings of children meeting the criteria for diagnosis of ADHD. In this article we provide a brief overview of the salient neurological basis of the disorder.

Is Attention Deficit Disorder a pathophysiological disorder?

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder is not a single pathophysiological entity and appears to have a complex etiology. There are multiple genetic and environmental risk factors with small individual effect that act in concert to create a spectrum of neurobiological liability. Structural imaging studies show that brains of children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder are significantly smaller than unaffected controls. The prefrontal cortex, basal ganglia and cerebellum are differentially affected and evidence indicating reduced connectivity in white matter tracts in key brain areas is emerging. Genetic, pharmacological, imaging, and animal models highlight the important role of dopamine dysregulation in the neurobiology of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. To date, stimulants are the most effective psychopharmacological treatments available for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. Currently only immediate release methylphenidate and atomoxetine are approved for the treatment of ADHD in Italy. Drug treatment should always be part of a comprehensive plan that includes psychosocial, behavioural and educational advice and interventions.

Abstract

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Recent respective research findings in Neuroscience unfold a scientific breakthrough in the understanding of the neurobiology of psychological trauma and its immediate and long term consequences. By shedding light on the connection between biological processes and human experience and behavior when trauma …
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Keywords

  • Post-traumatic stress, Neurobiologyof PTSD, Treatment of PTSD Traumatic events accompany our everyday life in the form subjectivepainful losses and wounding: It may be the loss of a home pet, the lossof a job, robbery, a car accident, natural disasters, severe illness, the deathof a beloved person, emotional neglect and abuse, betrayal, bullying, sexualabuse, rape, an earthquak…
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Results

  • Consistently findings demonstrated alternated (lowered) cortisol levels inall persons with PTSD and their offspring a fact that posed the questionwhether these findings might be interpreted as the result of in utero changesdue to traumatic stress or the result of epigenetic mechanisms. Theseresearch observations are in the direction of an epigenetic explanation ofinter -individual v…
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Discussion

  • In regard to psychotherapy neurobiological findings can contribute decisivelyin the design of an appropriate treatment strategy. The clinical picture PTSDsufferers present is characterized by the disruption of experience, movementand action, the tendency to respond to triggers in the here and now withautomatically activated action patterns of the t...
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Conclusion

  • In practical terms, the suggested awareness-based body oriented therapy canbe effective because contributes to re - establish a sense of physical control,enhance physical boundaries, uses breath and body movement in order tomodify physiological arousal and focuses on assuring in a physical mannerthe experience of being protected [24-29]. A complex solution to a complex …
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References

  1. Howard S, Crandall M. Post-traumatic stress disorder. What happens in the brain? Washington Academy of Science. 2007;93(4):1-17.
  2. American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 2013 (5th edn), Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Association.
  3. Norr AM, Albanese BJ, Boffa JW,et al. The relationship between gender and PTSD symptoms…
  1. Howard S, Crandall M. Post-traumatic stress disorder. What happens in the brain? Washington Academy of Science. 2007;93(4):1-17.
  2. American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 2013 (5th edn), Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Association.
  3. Norr AM, Albanese BJ, Boffa JW,et al. The relationship between gender and PTSD symptoms: Anxietysensitivity as a mechanism. Personality And Individual Differences, 2016;90:210-13.
  4. Frijling JL, OlffM.Biological mechanisms of traumatic stress response, In: Figley CR. (ed) Encyclopedia of Trauma: An Interdisciplinary Guide. Thousand Oaks, Calif: SAGE Publications, Inc.,2012; 47...

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