The human brain, although it represents only 2% of body weight, consumes 20% of the body’s energy, generates around 70 thousand thoughts per day, does not feel pain, continues to develop throughout life and is most active during sleep . However, it is not these curiosities that I want to talk about.
Today, the focus is on how we can understand human behavior through the study of brain regions and their functions. I’ll summarize all of this in a short text:
Dysfunction in specific neurotransmitters can alter the anatomy of brain regions, modifying neuronal morphology and impacting brain functioning. This morphological change is not necessarily limited to a decrease in size, and may involve both increases and decreases in volume in different areas, depending on the nature of the dysfunction and the affected region. Brain plasticity, although it allows for some adaptation, does not always fully compensate for the effects of prolonged dysfunctions.
It is important to emphasize that size is not the only factor determining problems, as neuronal connectivity, the efficiency of synaptic transmission and other aspects of brain structure and function also play crucial roles. However, changes in neuronal morphology, especially in specific regions, may be associated with behavioral changes, reflecting the complex interaction between neurotransmitters, brain structure and behavior.
Neurotransmitter dysfunction triggers a cascade of events that can lead to morphological changes in the brain, impacting brain functioning and manifesting in behavioral changes. Understanding this complex relationship is essential for developing more effective treatments for neuropsychiatric disorders and other conditions related to brain function. Chronic or intense anxiety can lead to hyperactivation of the brain’s amygdala, and this constant hyperactivation can, in the long term, lead to changes in its structure and function.
The amygdala is connected to several other areas of the brain, and its dysfunction can affect the functioning of these regions, including those involved in emotional regulation, cognition and behavior. Mental disorders, including anxiety disorders, are associated with changes in specific brain circuits. These changes can be both the cause and the consequence of the disorder. Personality traits can increase vulnerability to mental disorders, but they are not the direct cause of them. The complex interaction between genetic, environmental and neurobiological factors contributes to the development of disorders. Diagnosis of mental disorders involves careful clinical assessment of symptoms, patient history, and, in some cases, psychological and neuropsychological testing. Neuroimaging exams, such as functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and positron emission tomography (PET), can be complementary tools to identify brain changes associated with mental disorders.
Dr. Fabiano de Abreu Agrela Rodrigues MRSB holds a post-PhD in Neuroscience and is an elected member of Sigma Xi – The Scientific Research Honor Society (more than 200 members of Sigma Xi have received the Nobel Prize), as well as being a member of the Society for Neuroscience in the United States, the Royal Society of Biology and The Royal Society of Medicine in the United Kingdom, the European Society of Human Genetics in Vienna, Austria, and the APA – American Philosophical Association in the United States. He holds a Master’s degree in Psychology and a Bachelor’s degree in History and Biology. He is also a Technologist in Anthropology and Philosophy, with several national and international degrees in Neuroscience and Neuropsychology. Dr. Fabiano is a member of prestigious high IQ societies, including Mensa International, Intertel, ISPE High IQ Society, Triple Nine Society, ISI-Society, and HELLIQ Society High IQ. He is the author of more than 300 scientific studies and 30 books. He is currently a visiting professor at PUCRS in Brazil, UNIFRANZ in Bolivia and Santander in Mexico. He also serves as Director of CPAH – Centro de Pesquisa e Análises Heráclito and is the creator of the GIP project, which estimates IQ through the analysis of genetic intelligence. Dr. Fabiano is also a registered journalist, having his name included in the book of records for achieving four records, one of which is for being the greatest creator of characters in the history of the press.