What Is The Biological Level Of Analysis?
Neuroimaging studies show that the brains of PTSD victims compared to those of healthy individuals are structurally and functionally different. The areas of significant changes are the hippocampus, amygdala as well as the prefrontal cortex. The symptoms PTSD victims face are thought to be a representation of the physical changes in these areas of the brain. As a result, we are granted the ability to localize brain functions and ultimately gain a better understanding of why and how disorders such as PTSD occur.
The Hippocampus
The hippocampus is the area of the brain responsible for memory functions. The hippocampus allows for the creation of new memories as well as the retrieval of them later in life. The hippocampus also gives us the ability …show more content…
The biological level of analysis consists of the following principles:
1. Behaviour is innate because it is genetically based
2. Animal research can provide insight into human behaviour
3. There are biological correlates of behaviour
The Biological level of analysis is vital in helping us to understand how soldiers may be affected differently in similar situations. This level of analysis focuses heavily on the brain itself and its functions. This level of analysis helps us to understand the reasons behind certain behaviours.
It is hypothesized that there is a genetic predisposition for PTSD as shown in twin studies (Hauff and Vaglum 1994).
A lot of biological research related to PTSD focuses on noradrenaline. Noradrenaline is a neurotransmitter responsible for emotional arousal. According to Geracioti (2001), those who suffer from PTSD have higher levels of noradrenaline in their systems than is normal. Geracioti found that stimulating the adrenal system in PTSD patients resulted in an induced panic attack in 70% of patients and flashbacks in 40% of patients. According to Bremner (1998) there is evidence of increased sensitivity of noradrenaline receptors in patients with
The Hippocampus
The hippocampus is the area of the brain responsible for memory functions. The hippocampus allows for the creation of new memories as well as the retrieval of them later in life. The hippocampus also gives us the ability …show more content…
The biological level of analysis consists of the following principles:
1. Behaviour is innate because it is genetically based
2. Animal research can provide insight into human behaviour
3. There are biological correlates of behaviour
The Biological level of analysis is vital in helping us to understand how soldiers may be affected differently in similar situations. This level of analysis focuses heavily on the brain itself and its functions. This level of analysis helps us to understand the reasons behind certain behaviours.
It is hypothesized that there is a genetic predisposition for PTSD as shown in twin studies (Hauff and Vaglum 1994).
A lot of biological research related to PTSD focuses on noradrenaline. Noradrenaline is a neurotransmitter responsible for emotional arousal. According to Geracioti (2001), those who suffer from PTSD have higher levels of noradrenaline in their systems than is normal. Geracioti found that stimulating the adrenal system in PTSD patients resulted in an induced panic attack in 70% of patients and flashbacks in 40% of patients. According to Bremner (1998) there is evidence of increased sensitivity of noradrenaline receptors in patients with