UNPACKING THE BRAIN AND MOOD DISORDERS: AN EMPIRICAL AND THEORETICAL REVIEW OF THE BRAIN, THEORY, AND MOOD DISORDERS

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine how individuals who are most negatively affected by stressful situations are also some of the ones who are most benefited when in positive ones. To further analyze this topic, a review of the literature was conducted to develop an understanding of how the brain regulates mood and emotion, and how the environment may induce mental health disorders. Key structures of the body and theories that were used to facilitate this topic include: The limbic system, HPA axis, Brofenbrenner’s Ecological model, Diathesis Stress, and Differential Susceptibility. Examining how these theories and structures engage with one another, allow for further connections of how the onset of disorders occur. Two mood disorders that were analyzed through the lens of these structures and theories were depression and schizophrenia. Having better understanding of how the brain regulates mood and emotion and how this transforms into a mood disorder can allow individuals to be more aware of how they occur and can be better managed. Moving forward, this research project can also assist future studies to navigate how disorders may potentially be prevented, if not better regulated.