The brain reward system or mesocorticolimbic circuit is a brain circuit that controls addictive behaviors, mood, feeding behaviors, positive emotions (e.g., pleasure), and learning [1]. 1. What Activates the Reward System? The reward system is activated every time we experience something rewarding. For instance, the reward system is triggered when eating something we really enjoy…
Executive functions are mainly controlled by the prefrontal regions of the frontal lobes, including the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, the anterior cingulate cortex, and the orbitofrontal cortex [1]. 1. What Are the Executive Functions? Executive functions are higher-level cognitive skills and processes that are necessary for the control and coordination of other cognitive abilities and behaviors…
Odorous substances in the air are processed through the following steps: 1. What Part of the Brain Is Most Responsible for Smell? There are several and important parts of the brain that are responsible for smell; however, the olfactory bulb is responsible for transmitting the olfactory (smell) information from the olfactory nerves to the brain…
Tics are involuntary and repetitive sounds (vocal tics) or movements (motor tics) that can be rapid, sudden, recurrent, and nonrhythmic [1]. They are due to an urge or sensation that eases after performing the movement or the sound. 1. What Are the Types of Tics? 1.1. Primary Tics Transient tic disorders are motor or vocal…
A delusion is a psychotic disorder where an individual has a fixed belief in an incorrect perception of reality. The most common delusions are: The risk of delusional disorder in the general population is estimated between 0.05% to 0.1% and affects individuals from the age of 18 years to 90 years [1]. The persecutory and…
Hallucinations are due to many causes that are associated with the type of hallucination. The most common causes are: More information on the different types of hallucinations and their causes are provided below. 1- How Do You Know If You Hallucinate? If an individual is hearing, seeing, smelling, tasting, and feeling (touch) things that are…
They are several diseases where the body’s immune system attacks the cells of the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord): 1- What Is an Autoimmune Disease? An autoimmune disease is when the body develops an abnormal immune response against certain parts of the body leading to their destruction. An abnormal autoimmune response is associated…
Fish is rich in omega 3 fatty acids that have been shown to lower the risk of cognitive disorders such as impairment of learning, memory, perception, and problem-solving. 1- What Are Omega 3 Fatty Acids? Lipids or fats are made from saturated and unsaturated fatty acids. Omega 3 fatty acids are a type of fatty…
Mental health issues can be prevented or significantly reduced by ensuring that the foods we eat contain the following nutrients: 1. Omega3 1.1. What Are Omega3 Fatty Acids Good For? Omega-3 fatty acids are essential for the metabolism of lipid in our body and that can only be provided by the diet. Omega-3 fatty acids…
Neurotransmitters are messengers that transmit specific chemical instructions from a neuron to another neuron and from neurons to tissues and organs. The 7 major neurotransmitters are: Neurotransmitters are produced by neurons and released in gaps that are found between neurons and between neurons and organs. These junctions are known as synapses. When neurotransmitters are released…
