The fourth class mixes lectures and discussion about the basics of brain research and how the brain functions with mental illness. The surge in new information from research on the complex biology of the brain has presented discovery after discovery on the physical basis of mental disorders and theories on the edge of new research. The class will also learn and discuss the genetic side of brain disorders, the time of greatest conflict in the stages of consumer recovery and stages of family emotional response, and an overview of the recuperation process.

Introduction: Beyond the Decade of the Brain: Toward the Time When "Science Fiction" Becomes Science

• Federal funding of brain research in the 1990s, the "Decade of the Brain"
• Closing the gap in research funding lags
• No-fault aspect of brain disorders

Review: Functions Of The Frontal Lobe, Left Temporal Lobe And Limbic System Irregularities In Mental Illness

• Complex biology of the brain
• Description of functional and structural brain changes in mental disorders
• Overview of which areas of the brain are of current research interest
• The frontal and temporal lobes and their relationship to mood, personality, motivation, and social adjustment

Cortical, Temporal And Limbic System Irregularities

• Research on cortical blood flow and metabolism
• Cortical dysfunction: short term memory dysfunction, differences in gray matter, differences in white matter, lack of specific brain cell migration
• VBR (ventricle-to-brain) differences in twin studies
• Limbic system dysfunction and its relationship to each major mental illness
• Recent findings specific to schizophrenia
• Class discussion

The Role of Chemical Messengers in the Brain

• The dopamine hypothesis
• The role of neurotransmitters, positive symptoms (characteristics or behaviors added after the onset of illness) and negative symptoms (characteristics or behaviors diminished by the onset of illness)
• Current research on neurons, nerve transmission, and other complications

Pathophysiology Of Brain Cells And Neurogenesis

• Molecular dimensions of neuron damage and regeneration
• Gene-protein interaction, neurotransmitter imbalance, glutamate transmission and what this research means
• The new research field of neurogenesis
• Class discussion

Genetic Transmission: Genetic Concordance Rates In The Major Mental Illnesses

• Inherited risk and genetic susceptibility of mental illness
• Base rates and risk rates for the five major mental illnesses
• Studies of risk based on research involving identical twins (identical genes)

Looking For The "Second Hit" In The Environment Which May Cause Mental Illness

• Virus theory: common environmental situations
• Epigenetic theory: stress and injury theories
• Class discussion

The "Biology of Recovery"

• Impact of psychoanalytic theory; realities of the physical condition; blame and empathy
• Stages of recovery: what to expect
• Physical impact of brain disease in the early stage of recuperation: what your relative may feel after an episode, psychotic or depressive breakdown and their recuperation process
• Family and consumer stages "at odds" in recuperation: acknowledgment of illness and acknowledgment of family expectations
• Short and long-term prognosis in major mental illness
• Class discussion

The Problem Statement

• Preparation for the Problem Solving Workshop