Biological explanation

• What is the focus of biological explanations for depression?

  Physical influences (nature)
• What do psychological explanations for depression focus on?

  Influence of others or our thinking (nurture)
• What are neurotransmitters?

  Brain chemicals that send signals
• How do neurotransmitters transmit messages?

  Chemically across the synapse
• Which neurotransmitter is linked to depression?

  Serotonin
• What happens when serotonin levels are high in the synaptic cleft?

  Postsynaptic neuron is stimulated, improving mood
• What is the effect of low serotonin levels at the synapse?

  Less stimulation of the postsynaptic neuron
• What other functions does serotonin affect?

  Memory, sleep, and appetite
• How are the effects of serotonin linked to depression?

  Linked to lack of concentration, disturbed sleep, reduced appetite
• What genetic factor may cause low serotonin levels?

  Poor ability to produce serotonin
• How can diet influence serotonin levels?

  Low levels of tryptophan may occur
• What foods contain tryptophan?

  High-protein foods and carbohydrates
• What research supports the biological explanation of depression?

  McNeal and Cimbolic's findings on serotonin (Strength)
• What is a weakness of neurotransmitter explanations for depression?

  Low serotonin could be an effect of depression
• What does the diathesis-stress theory suggest?

  Depression results from vulnerabilities and stressors
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of neurotransmitter explanations for depression?

  Strengths:

  • Supported by research evidence
  • Links between serotonin and depression

  
  

  Weaknesses:

  • Low serotonin may be an effect
  • Not solely caused by neurotransmitter levels
• What is the role of tryptophan in serotonin production?

  Key ingredient needed to make serotonin
• How can diet improve mood according to the study material?

  Eating comfort foods may increase serotonin
• What types of foods are considered comfort foods?

  Potatoes and pizza
• What is the relationship between serotonin and mood?

  High serotonin improves mood, low serotonin lowers mood
• How do nature and nurture contribute to serotonin levels?

  Genetic factors and dietary influences
• What did McNeal and Cimbolic discover?


  Lower levels of serotonin in the brains of people with depression in comparison to a control group of people who were not depressed (1986) This suggests a link between low levels of serotonin and depression.