PSYCH 4330 - [Neural Views on Mental Illness]

(crosslisted) BIONB 4360
(PBS-AS)

Fall. Next Offered: 2019-2020. 3 credits. Student option grading.

Prerequisite: PSYCH 2230 or BIONB 2220.

T. DeVoogd.

Human mental illnesses such as schizophrenia, depression, attention deficit disorder, and autism are diagnosed based on behaviors. They are generally treated with drugs in addition to or in place of behavioral approaches. Often those who know most about brain organization and function know little about how the conditions are treated in real life. Those who understand the actions of the drugs are not familiar with the full behavioral and psychological dimensions of these conditions or with possibilities and limitations of psychotherapy. Often, too, therapists are not familiar with what is known of the brain systems involved in the aberrant behaviors or with the cellular bases of action of the drugs. This course will examine several of the behavioral conditions above from these varying perspectives. Cortical anatomy and connectivity will be reviewed. The biochemistry of neurotransmitter receptors will be discussed, focusing on receptors that are targeted by the drugs used for these disorders. Additional issues to be considered include the extent to which psychotherapy can lead to changes in brain functioning, mechanisms whereby genetic or early developmental influences can precipitate the conditions, and why drugs used for treatment have side effects. Students will write weekly papers, make a presentation during the term, and write a term paper.