Explain the neurological basis of depression. Describe the role of specific neurotransmitters implicated in mood disorders.
What will be an ideal response?
Sample Answer:Research implicates low levels of serotonin in the causes of mood disorders, but only in relation to other neurotransmitters, including norepinephrine and dopamine. The apparent primary function of serotonin is to regulate our emotional reactions. For example, we are more impulsive, and our moods swing more widely, when our levels of serotonin are low. This may be because one of the functions of serotonin is to regulate systems involving norepinephrine and dopamine. According to the "permissive" hypothesis, when serotonin levels are low, other neurotransmitters are "permitted" to range more widely, become dysregulated, and contribute to mood irregularities, including depression. A drop in norepinephrine would be one of the consequences. Current thinking is that the balance of the various neurotransmitters and their interaction with systems of self-regulation are more important than the absolute level of any one neurotransmitter.
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Traumatic stress, such as being in a natural disaster, tends to produce feelings of
a. frustration and conflict. b. pressure and exhaustion. c. conflict and vacillation. d. helplessness and vulnerability.
Ellen thought of herself as a long-distance runner first and foremost. Adolescents who believe they are competent at a particular sport may make athletic skills or accomplishments part of their self-concept
Indicate whether this statement is true or false.
Which of the following procedures can be used to determine the reliability of ethnographic and clinical studies?
A) Responses to the same measures can be compared on separate occasions. B) Researchers can measure the quantitative scores yielded by these two methods. C) Answers on different halves of the same measure can be compared by judges. D) Judges can see if they agree with the researcher that the patterns and themes identified are grounded in evidence and are plausible.
Two predominant models of sexual identity development by Cass and Coleman
a. Do not agree on the nature of the process. b. Both end in the integration of a person's identity and his or her environment. c. Both work in terms of continuums. d. Both B and C are true.