Deciphering the Mind: Pathophysiology of Neuropsychiatric Disorders and Treatment
Neuropsychiatric disorders reside at the intersection of neurology and psychiatry, where biological brain malfunctions manifest as behavioral or cognitive disturbances.
Common Pathologies
Mood Disorders: Linked to neurotransmitter imbalances (Serotonin, Dopamine, Norepinephrine).
Psychotic Disorders: Often involving structural brain changes or overactive dopaminergic pathways.
Neurodegenerative Conditions: Such as Alzheimer's, where protein misfolding leads to cognitive decline.
Multimodal Treatment Approaches
Pharmacotherapy: Utilizing SSRIs, antipsychotics, or mood stabilizers to rebalance brain chemistry.
Neuromodulation: Techniques like Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) or Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) for treatment-resistant cases.
Psychosocial Interventions: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) remains a gold standard for retraining neural pathways through behavioral change.