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Understanding Human Behaviour in a Biological Aspect

A Position Paper
By Maricor Daguplo

Chemistry is important in psychology because the human body is composed of different

chemicals that aid in human functioning, including the human behaviour. An imbalance of chemicals in

our body may affect our mood or cause psychological disorders. According to David Barlow’s Triple

Vulnerability Theory, there are 3 factors that may contribute to psychological disorders: biological, social

and psychological contributions. Biological contributions include genetics and neurotransmitters while

social contributors involve the environment and psychological contributions involve conditioning such as

classical conditioning.

I. Chemistry and Emotions

Chemistry is involved in our daily functioning; from digestion to our emotion. Our emotions and

functions are controlled by our neurotransmitters, hormones and chemicals. The chemicals released by

our brain influences our emotions. An imbalance of these chemicals may also lead to psychological

illness or disorders. One of the most common neurotransmitter is serotonin. Serotonin is responsible for

mood regulation, appetite, sleep and pain. Norepinephrine, on the other hand, is important in emotions,

sleeping and learning. An imbalance of these chemicals may cause depression, aggressiveness and other

mood disorders.

II. Chemistry in Treating Psychological Disorders

The treatment of some psychological disorders such as mood disorders and anxiety-related

disorders may need to involve medication depending on the cause of the disorder. Medicines such as

antidepressants regulate mood disorders. Some antidepressants increase the level of serotonin while
others block the brain cell communication in order to relax the body. Antipyschotic drugs used for

anxiety and panic disorders are block dopamine and affect serotonin levels.

Understanding the relationship of chemistry to the human behaviour can help in the

development of medicine to improve or alleviate the symptoms of certain psychological disorders.

Fazit

Chemistry is often neglected in the understanding of the human behaviour but it is just as

important as the psychological and environmental factors. Having knowledge in chemistry would help us

understand the human behaviour in a different perspective; it may also be helpful in eradicating the

stigma against psychological disorders. Knowing about the chemicals in our body and how they work

may also lead to the development of medicines.


References

Ahn, W. K., Proctor, C. C., & Flanagan, E. H. (2009). Mental health clinicians’ beliefs about the biological,

psychological, and environmental bases of mental disorders. Cognitive science, 33(2), 147-182.

Antipsychotic Drugs. (2018, October). Retrieved from

https://www.msdmanuals.com/professional/psychiatric-disorders/schizophrenia-and-related-

disorders/antipsychotic-drugs

Antipsychotic Medication. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.camh.ca/en/health-info/mental-illness-

and-addiction-index/antipsychotic-medication

Cafasso, J. (2018, June 25). Chemical Imbalance in the Brain: Anxiety, Symptoms, and Depression.

Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/health/chemical-imbalance-in-the-brain

Raypole, C. (2019, September 30). Happy Hormones: What They Are and How to Boost Them. Retrieved

from https://www.healthline.com/health/happy-hormone#sunlight

Schizophrenia: Symptoms, Types, Causes, Treatment. (2016, August 3). Retrieved from

https://www.rxlist.com/schizophrenia_slideshow/article.htm

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