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ASSIGNMENT INSTRUCTIONS:
According to the National Institutes of Mental Health, over 17 million Americans experience a major depressive episode in an average year. Additionally, the NIHM estimates that 31.1% of Americans will experience diagnosed anxiety during their lifetime (NIMH, 2021). As we learn about the nervous system this module, we can use these two common disorders to help gain an understanding of basic nerve function.
Initial post: For your discussion post, choose either depression or anxiety and answer the following questions. Remember to use your own words when explaining these concepts. Support your opinion with valid research and cite your sources appropriately.
How does depression/anxiety affect neurotransmitters?
How does depression/anxiety affect synapses?
How does depression/anxiety affect neuron function?
HOW TO WORK ON THIS ASSIGNMENT (EXAMPLE ESSAY /DRAFT)
Depression and anxiety are two of the most common mental health disorders that affect millions of people worldwide. These disorders have a profound impact on the nervous system and its various components, including neurotransmitters, synapses, and neuron function.
One of the key ways that depression and anxiety affect neurotransmitters is by altering their balance and levels in the brain. Neurotransmitters are chemicals that transmit signals between neurons and are critical for regulating mood, sleep, appetite, and other functions. Studies have shown that depression and anxiety can lead to changes in the levels of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine, which are often referred to as “feel-good” chemicals. This change in neurotransmitter levels can result in symptoms such as changes in mood, fatigue, insomnia, and changes in appetite.
Another way that depression and anxiety affect the nervous system is by impacting the way that synapses function. Synapses are the spaces between neurons where neurotransmitters are transmitted from one neuron to another. Studies have shown that depression and anxiety can alter the structure and function of synapses, leading to changes in the way that neurons communicate with each other. This can result in alterations in the regulation of mood, emotion, and other functions.
Finally, depression and anxiety can also affect the function of neurons themselves. Neurons are the cells in the nervous system that transmit signals, and depression and anxiety can disrupt their normal function. This can lead to changes in the way that the brain processes information, including alterations in perception, attention, and memory. Additionally, depression and anxiety can also lead to changes in the brain’s plasticity, or its ability to adapt to changes in the environment, which can result in long-term changes in brain function.
In conclusion, depression and anxiety have a profound impact on the nervous system, including neurotransmitters, synapses, and neuron function. Understanding the ways that these disorders affect the nervous system can provide important insights into the underlying mechanisms of these conditions and may help inform the development of more effective treatments.
Sources: NIMH (2021). Depression. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depression/index.shtml NIMH (2021). Anxiety Disorders. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/anxiety-disorders/index.shtml
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