Drugs and Homeostasis
Biology 3201 STSE
Drugs and Homeostasis

Submitted To: Mr. King
Submitted By: Chelsea Hamen
Date Due: October 28th
Understanding Concepts:
1.) Clinical Depression - is the most frequently encountered mental illness. Clinical depression is now considered a physical condition in which there is a fault in the brain chemistry. It may afflict up to 5% or more of the population. Symptoms of depression include a distinct change in mood accompanied with an extreme feeling of hopelessness. Other symptoms include: loss of appetite; weight loss; headaches; sleeplessness; loss of energy; and tiredness. Symptoms of anxiety are also quite common. Suicide is common in about 15% of depressed patients.
Bipolar Disorder - is also known as manic depression. It affects about 5 in 1000 people. It is characterized by severe mood swings ranging from mania to depression, with normal periods in between. During a manic phase, the individual may think that they are invincible, behave recklessly or believe in delusions such as ones of fame. During the depressive phase, the individual loses interest in their usual activities, may sleep excessively or suffer from insomnia. They may also be at risk of suicide during the depressive stage.
Schizophrenia - includes disturbance of thought patterns, disturbance of affective reactions and autism or withdrawal. Secondary symptoms include hallucinations, delusions and paranoia. These symptoms all represent a loss of contact with reality.
2.) Alcohol - is probably the most commonly abused drug in society. Of all abused drugs, it is presently the only one considered legal upon reaching of age. It has been a large part of our culture for many years and is often associated with social functions and celebrations. However, alcohol use definitely has its dark side. It is known to alter personalities and cause people to behave in manner outside their normal personalities. A night of abusing alcohol can lead embarrassment and regret once the effects
Drugs and Homeostasis

Submitted To: Mr. King
Submitted By: Chelsea Hamen
Date Due: October 28th
Understanding Concepts:
1.) Clinical Depression - is the most frequently encountered mental illness. Clinical depression is now considered a physical condition in which there is a fault in the brain chemistry. It may afflict up to 5% or more of the population. Symptoms of depression include a distinct change in mood accompanied with an extreme feeling of hopelessness. Other symptoms include: loss of appetite; weight loss; headaches; sleeplessness; loss of energy; and tiredness. Symptoms of anxiety are also quite common. Suicide is common in about 15% of depressed patients.
Bipolar Disorder - is also known as manic depression. It affects about 5 in 1000 people. It is characterized by severe mood swings ranging from mania to depression, with normal periods in between. During a manic phase, the individual may think that they are invincible, behave recklessly or believe in delusions such as ones of fame. During the depressive phase, the individual loses interest in their usual activities, may sleep excessively or suffer from insomnia. They may also be at risk of suicide during the depressive stage.
Schizophrenia - includes disturbance of thought patterns, disturbance of affective reactions and autism or withdrawal. Secondary symptoms include hallucinations, delusions and paranoia. These symptoms all represent a loss of contact with reality.
2.) Alcohol - is probably the most commonly abused drug in society. Of all abused drugs, it is presently the only one considered legal upon reaching of age. It has been a large part of our culture for many years and is often associated with social functions and celebrations. However, alcohol use definitely has its dark side. It is known to alter personalities and cause people to behave in manner outside their normal personalities. A night of abusing alcohol can lead embarrassment and regret once the effects