Dr. Jennifer Brown has done extensive research on the effects of pornography on children's developing brains. This PowerPoint presentation details some of the main points of her study. Dr. Brown presented this information to the Prevent Child Abuse Utah Joining Forces Conference in October 2014. This research was also instrumental in passing S.B. 227 in Utah to allow a judge to reduce or restrict custody if a parent has intentionally exposed their child to pornography.
Incorporating Adolescent Brain Development Research into Youth Programming National Safe Place
This webinar will review adolescent brain development research and provide tips for practical application in youth programming. During the webinar, we will provide an overview of how the teen brain functions and outline ways in which adults can structure opportunities and interactions that will encourage cognitive development, help youth recognize risks and opportunities and minimize factors that inhibit brain development.
Biological bases of human behaviour (complete) 2PoornimaSingh35
Introduction to Psychology/Biological basis of behavior. ... The most important physical structure for psychologists is the nervous system. The nervous system carries orders from the brain and spinal cord to various glands and muscles, it also carries signals from stimuli receptors to the spinal cord and brain.
Incorporating Adolescent Brain Development Research into Youth Programming National Safe Place
This webinar will review adolescent brain development research and provide tips for practical application in youth programming. During the webinar, we will provide an overview of how the teen brain functions and outline ways in which adults can structure opportunities and interactions that will encourage cognitive development, help youth recognize risks and opportunities and minimize factors that inhibit brain development.
Biological bases of human behaviour (complete) 2PoornimaSingh35
Introduction to Psychology/Biological basis of behavior. ... The most important physical structure for psychologists is the nervous system. The nervous system carries orders from the brain and spinal cord to various glands and muscles, it also carries signals from stimuli receptors to the spinal cord and brain.
General Family Systems Theory & Structural Family TherapyJane Gilgun
Ever wondered what general system theory has to do with circular causality and structural family therapy? These slides represent the most clarity I could come up with regarding these important ideas.
The aim of this lecture is to introduce and discuss social-psychological aspects of interpersonal relationships and, in particular, attraction, exclusion, and close relationships.
General Family Systems Theory & Structural Family TherapyJane Gilgun
Ever wondered what general system theory has to do with circular causality and structural family therapy? These slides represent the most clarity I could come up with regarding these important ideas.
The aim of this lecture is to introduce and discuss social-psychological aspects of interpersonal relationships and, in particular, attraction, exclusion, and close relationships.
The Dark Side Of Digital Strategy: Cyberwarfare, Porn & Telegraphs [SFW]Oliver Woods
An entertaining presentation on what digital strategists can learn from US cyberwarfare, the porn industry's content strategy, and 19th century telegraph hacking. Safe for work!
We understand that a dependence might focus on one person, however it influences everybody associateded with the circumstance. Whether you're struggling with an Cybersex addiction or trying to sustain someone else throughout rehabilitation, you've come to the ideal location. The goal of sex obsession therapy is never to do away with sex from a person's life. It is only to open the way for enjoyment of sex in a healthy and balanced and ideal means.Visit our site http://www.sexaddictionscounseling.com for more information on Cybersex Addiction
life skills are the skills required for every human being in the universe by which they can make their life more easier. these are soft skills for the betterment of life. even though they are illiterate they need life skills.
Objectives
~ Identify the major psycho-social milestones for each age group
~ Learn about things that may thwart development
~ Identify protective factors for healthy development
~ Conceptualize behaviors as goal-driven in order to better understand their purpose and provide appropriate redirection
Presented by Nikola Sudijovski at SkopjeTechMeetup 8.
Looking back at all the progress humanity has made through the last few centuries, it's perfectly natural to feel a little bit moved by the power of human ingenuity and our thrive for constant improvement. It's natural, but also (for the most part) wrong. If we really looked into the history of our technological development, we'd notice а pretty intriguing pattern, often intentionally left unmentioned. Well, that is, until now.
Adolescent problems and class room managment Management Concepts - Manu Melw...manumelwinjoy
Total interpersonal space devoted to mutual understanding and shared information.
Productivity and interpersonal effectiveness are directly related to the amount of mutually-held information
PCOS IS THE THIEF OF WOMENHOOD........an enigmatic condition must be understood and managed according to the age it presents.......contact dr jaideep at jaideep malhotraagra@gmail.com for CME AND WORKSHOPS IN YOUR CITY
Running Head: DEPRESSION 1
DEPRESSION 3
Lana Eliot
Depression
Psychology 630
Professor Benton
August 25, 2018
Many people throughout the world experience some type of depression in their lives and it is one of the most common mental disorders. The current statistic show that depression is linked to genetic, environmental, biological and is also psychological. Depression can ben found with any age person. A small child or an adult may have to deal with the depression that is affecting them. Chemical imbalances in the brain is the leading cause for a person dealing with the depressive order. The neurotransmitter is the what we call the communicator between the brain and the limbic system. Researchers study the limbic system in the brain as this is where depression starts; especially for anxiety and stress. The 3 major neurotransmitters; serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine all have direct relations with a persons’ depression and anxiety.
Serotonin plays a crucial role in our brain. It is associated with many physical actions that we may portray. The actions associated with serotonin are mood altering, sleeping patterns, eating disorders, and aggression. If a persons’ serotonin levels decrease, they may experience these depressive symptoms. This can also make persons have a feeling of self-worth and suicidal feelings.
Another transmitter in the brain which is associated with the depressive disorder is dopamine. This is the part of the brain that deals with our motivation and how we gain the feeling of self-worth and self-pleasure. Early studies suggested that an existence of neurotransmitter norepinephrine deficiency in some certain areas of the brain resulted in depression. One main cause of depression is the reduction in the concentration of certain neurotransmitters in the brain, such as serotonin and dopamine. The decrease in the concentration of these neurotransmitters leads to disturbed neuronal signal processing which leads to alterations in the structure of the neuronal networks. These basic changes are accepted to be one of the fundamental purposes behind sorrow. The emergence of neuroimaging techniques, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), positron emission tomography (PET) and functional fMRI, established the importance of the ‘neurocircuit of emotion’ which has been expanded to include other important brain areas and the prefrontal cortex (PFC). These brain sites and their connections, which have been widely studied, are responsible for maintaining emotional stability and their malfunction is considered central to the pathophysiology of depression (Palazidou, E., 2012).
Recent follow up studies also shows that there is a group of individuals with a depression disorder who exhibit low levels of the chemical norepinephrine. In autopsy studies, it has been shown that in comparison,.
Regeneration of Brain with new understanding gives us good ground to be optimistic in matters of research and also day to day clinics. This presentation at the most introduces you to the potential stride of the field.
If you want to know the causes of depression so this documents is for you, and if want best psychiatrist in dubai so follow the link of related article in the document.
Write a 625- to 700-word letter to your future self about what you.docxambersalomon88660
Write a 625- to 700-word letter to your future self about what you will need to know to be an effective adult educator.
Address the following in your letter:
· Current developments in workplace learning in both formal and informal settings
· Challenges regarding motivation that facilitators might face, and how to motivate adult learners in an adult learning environment
· Digital age benefits and challenges
· Ethics and values in the adult learning environment
Include at least two citations and references.
Click the Assignment Files tab to submit your assignment.
Running Head: SCHIZOPHRENIA
SCHIZOPHRENIA 2
Critical Review: Schizophrenia
Name:
Institutional Affiliation:
Course:
Professor’s name:
Date:
Introduction
Schizophrenia is a psychiatric disorder that affects almost all elements of a patient's life. The disease is characterized by hallucination, cognitive impairment, social withdrawal, delusions. All these characteristics are usually seen in Schizophrenia patients. In most cases, a patient is unable to think straight, distinguish fantasy from reality and also can be over-reactive when they interact with others. All the above symptoms can be explained based on the neurological mechanisms of a patient's mental illness. Over the recent past, there have been various researches linking psychology and neuroscience in search of information on the causes of schizophrenia in patients. “There has been evidence that the disorder is as a result of impaired activation on three brain networks between frontotemporal, front parietal and front striatal that serve in cognitive functioning and coordinating cognition and emotion” (Tritsch et al., 2016).
Theory
Neurotransmitters are basically chemical elements that are secreted by the neurons. The function of these neurotransmitters is actually found in the name of the elements, and that is to transmit messages from one neuron to the other. There are several types of these neurotransmitters and our main point of focus in this case will be those that are actually associated with schizophrenia and the very first and common one is Dopamine. As we have seen this condition affects the thinking of the patient and at some point are not in a position to distinguish between fantasy and the realities of life, now this is one element of an individual that is controlled by dopamine, dopamine is actually responsible for the movement of thoughts within an individual now these thoughts are actually what helps an individual to make some distinction between the facts and fantasy that is why you find an individual is not actually able to make distinction between fantasy and reality when they are affected as a result of schizophrenia.
The other neurotransmitter that is involved with this disorder is glutamate,.
Use Your Mind to Change Your Brain: Tools for Cultivating Happiness, Love an...Rick Hanson
Tools for well-being, grounded in cutting-edge science and the wisdom of the world’s contemplative traditions.
More resources, freely offered at http://www.rickhanson.net
Discussion Question Comparison of Theories on Anxiety Disord.docxTatianaMajor22
Discussion Question:
Comparison of Theories on Anxiety Disorders
There are numerous theories that attempt to explain the development and manifestation of psychological disorders. Some researchers hold that certain disorders result from learned behaviors (behavioral theory), while other researchers believe that there is a genetic or biological basis to psychological disorders (medical model), while still others hold that psychological disorders stem from unresolved unconscious conflict (psychoanalytic theory). How would each of these theoretical viewpoints explain anxiety disorders? Does one explain the development and manifestation of anxiety disorders better than the others?
200- 400 words please
Three min resources with
in text citations and examples
you can use the following as a module reference
cite as university 2014
Anxiety Disorders
Anxiety disorders such as panic disorder, specific phobias, and social anxiety disorder feature a heightened autonomic nervous system response that is above and beyond what would be considered normal when faced with the object or situation that the person reacts to. For example, a person with a specific phobia of spiders (called arachnophobia) experiences a heightened autonomic response when confronted with a spider (or even an image of a spider). This anxiety response must result in significant distress or impairment. In general, anxiety disorders have been linked to underactive gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain, resulting in overexcitability of the amygdala and the anterior cingulate cortex. Additionally, genetic research shows that anxiety disorders demonstrate a clear pattern of genetic predisposition
Charles Darwin's Perspective
We talked about Charles Darwin when discussing evolution and natural selection. Darwin was also very interested in emotions. One of his books published in 1872,The Expression of Emotions in Man and Animals, was devoted to this topic.
Darwin believed that emotions play an important role in the survival of the species and result from evolutionary processes in the same way as other behaviors and psychological functions. Darwin's writing on this topic also prompted psychologists to study animal behavior as a way to better understand human behavior.
James–Lange Theory of Emotions
Modern theories of emotion can be traced to William James and Carl Lange (Pinel, 2011). William James was a renowned Harvard psychologist who is sometimes called the father of American psychology. Carl Lange was a Danish physician. James and Lange formulated the same theory of emotions independently at about the same time (1884). As a result, it is called the James–Lange theory of emotions. This theory reversed the commonsensical notion that emotions are automatic responses to events around us. Instead, it proposes that emotions are the brain's interpretation of physiological responses to emotionally provocative stimuli.
Cannon–Bard Theory of Emotions
In 1915, Harvard physiologist Walt.
An examination of the various neurochemicals and brain functions responsible for exercise motivation and participation. This knowledge can help coaches and personal trainers help individualize their programming by better understanding the motivation and performance variables within their clientele.
Contributions of Neuroscience toOur Understanding of CognitiAlleneMcclendon878
Contributions of Neuroscience to
Our Understanding of Cognitive
Development
Adele Diamond1 and Dima Amso2
1
Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, and Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry,
BC Children’s Hospital, Vancouver, Canada; and
2
Sackler Institute for Developmental Psychobiology,
Weill Medical College of Cornell University
ABSTRACT—One major contribution of neuroscience to
understanding cognitive development has been in demon-
strating that biology is not destiny—that is, demonstrating
the remarkable role of experience in shaping the mind,
brain, and body. Only rarely has neuroscience provided
wholly new insights into cognitive development, but often
it has provided evidence of mechanisms by which obser-
vations of developmental psychologists could be explained.
Behavioral findings have often remained controversial
until an underlying biological mechanism for them was
offered. Neuroscience has demonstrated promise for de-
tecting cognitive problems before they are behaviorally
observable—and, hence, promise for early intervention. In
this article, we discuss examples drawn from imitation and
mirror neurons, phenylketonuria (PKU) and prefrontal
dopamine, maternal touch and stress reactivity, and non-
genetic (behavioral) intergenerational transmission of bi-
ological characteristics.
KEYWORDS—plasticity; epigenesis; mothering; executive
functions; animal models; molecular genetics; memory
Neuroscience research has made its greatest contributions to the
study of cognitive development by illuminating mechanisms
(providing a ‘‘how’’) that underlie behavioral observations made
earlier by psychologists. It has also made important contribu-
tions to our understanding of cognitive development by dem-
onstrating that the brain is far more plastic at all ages than
previously thought—and thus that the speed and extent by which
experience and behavior can shape the brain is greater than al-
most anyone imagined. In other words, rather than showing that
biology is destiny, neuroscience research has been at the fore-
front of demonstrating the powerful role of experience throughout
life. Besides the surprising evidence of the remarkable extent
of experience-induced plasticity, rarely has neuroscience given
us previously unknown insights into cognitive development, but
neuroscience does offer promise of being able to detect some
problems before they are behaviorally observable.
PROVIDING MECHANISMS THAT CAN ACCOUNT FOR
BEHAVIORAL RESULTS REPORTED BY
PSYCHOLOGISTS
Here we describe two examples of behavioral findings by psy-
chologists that were largely ignored or extremely controversial
until underlying biological mechanisms capable of accounting
for them were provided by neuroscience research. One such
example concerns cognitive deficits documented in children
treated early and continuously for phenylketonuria (PKU). The
second example involves neonatal imitation observed b ...
Running head PSYCHIATRIC DISORDER .docxtoltonkendal
Running head: PSYCHIATRIC DISORDER 1
PSYCHIATRIC DISORDER 6
Psychiatric Disorder
Student’s Name
University Affiliation
Course Title
Date
Psychiatric disorder
Depression is one of the most common mental disorders found in the world. Current studies indicate that depression may result from genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological factors. People of all ages are susceptible to depression but the elderly are at a high risk than the young. In the brain, depression starts with simple chemical imbalances. Communication within the brain and to and fro the rest of the body is via the chemical transmitter, known as neurotransmitters. The brain limbic system has been a key interest for many researchers as it comes to anxiety, stress and depression. There exists relationship between depression and the functioning of three primary neurotransmitters; serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine.
Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that is associated with the control of many crucial bodily operations such as aggression, sleeping, sexual behavior, mood, and eating. The production of serotonin is in the serotonergic neurons. Some people are likely to suffer depression with a drop in the production of serotonin in the neurons. The resultant mood is one that is more particularly associated with individuals feeling suicidal.
Early studies suggested that an existence of neurotransmitter norepinephrine deficiency in some certain areas of the brain resulted in depression. Recent follow up studies also shows that there is a group of individuals with a depression disorder who exhibit low levels of the chemical norepinephrine. In autopsy studies, it has been shown that in comparison, people who lives have been marred with a recurrence of depressive episodes possess lesser norepinephrinergic neurons unlike those who have not had depressive history. Norepinephrine assist our bodies detect and respond to stressful instances. People who are susceptible to depression have a norepinephrinergic system which does not take care of the effects of stress very efficiently.
Dopamine is another chemical transmitter in the brain associated with depression. The neurotransmitter plays a critical part in controlling our motivation to seek out reward, also the ability to get a sense of pleasure. Low levels of dopamine may partly explain as to why some individuals suffering from depression do not get the same pleasure sense from people are activities that they used to before falling into depression.
Evidence is ever increasing to support the hypothesis that stress and the accompanying depression could involve structural variations in the brain. The resultant changes of depression are known as remodeling. An occurrence of remodeling due to stress can be prevented or even potentially tu ...
What is the power of prayer and meditation to help each of us navigate our deficiencies and strengthen connectivity between mind and self? This paper begins to explore these intersections in parallel with scientific imaging of the functional brain.
Use Your Mind to Change Your Brain: Tools for Cultivating Happiness, Love and...Rick Hanson
Tools for well-being, grounded in cutting-edge science and the wisdom of the world’s contemplative traditions.
More resources are freely offered at http://www.rickhanson.net.
Similar to How Pornography Affects Developing Brains - Dr. Jennifer Brown (20)
Jennifer Schaus and Associates hosts a complimentary webinar series on The FAR in 2024. Join the webinars on Wednesdays and Fridays at noon, eastern.
Recordings are on YouTube and the company website.
https://www.youtube.com/@jenniferschaus/videos
Jennifer Schaus and Associates hosts a complimentary webinar series on The FAR in 2024. Join the webinars on Wednesdays and Fridays at noon, eastern.
Recordings are on YouTube and the company website.
https://www.youtube.com/@jenniferschaus/videos
A process server is a authorized person for delivering legal documents, such as summons, complaints, subpoenas, and other court papers, to peoples involved in legal proceedings.
Understanding the Challenges of Street ChildrenSERUDS INDIA
By raising awareness, providing support, advocating for change, and offering assistance to children in need, individuals can play a crucial role in improving the lives of street children and helping them realize their full potential
Donate Us
https://serudsindia.org/how-individuals-can-support-street-children-in-india/
#donatefororphan, #donateforhomelesschildren, #childeducation, #ngochildeducation, #donateforeducation, #donationforchildeducation, #sponsorforpoorchild, #sponsororphanage #sponsororphanchild, #donation, #education, #charity, #educationforchild, #seruds, #kurnool, #joyhome
This session provides a comprehensive overview of the latest updates to the Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (commonly known as the Uniform Guidance) outlined in the 2 CFR 200.
With a focus on the 2024 revisions issued by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), participants will gain insight into the key changes affecting federal grant recipients. The session will delve into critical regulatory updates, providing attendees with the knowledge and tools necessary to navigate and comply with the evolving landscape of federal grant management.
Learning Objectives:
- Understand the rationale behind the 2024 updates to the Uniform Guidance outlined in 2 CFR 200, and their implications for federal grant recipients.
- Identify the key changes and revisions introduced by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) in the 2024 edition of 2 CFR 200.
- Gain proficiency in applying the updated regulations to ensure compliance with federal grant requirements and avoid potential audit findings.
- Develop strategies for effectively implementing the new guidelines within the grant management processes of their respective organizations, fostering efficiency and accountability in federal grant administration.
Many ways to support street children.pptxSERUDS INDIA
By raising awareness, providing support, advocating for change, and offering assistance to children in need, individuals can play a crucial role in improving the lives of street children and helping them realize their full potential
Donate Us
https://serudsindia.org/how-individuals-can-support-street-children-in-india/
#donatefororphan, #donateforhomelesschildren, #childeducation, #ngochildeducation, #donateforeducation, #donationforchildeducation, #sponsorforpoorchild, #sponsororphanage #sponsororphanchild, #donation, #education, #charity, #educationforchild, #seruds, #kurnool, #joyhome
Russian anarchist and anti-war movement in the third year of full-scale warAntti Rautiainen
Anarchist group ANA Regensburg hosted my online-presentation on 16th of May 2024, in which I discussed tactics of anti-war activism in Russia, and reasons why the anti-war movement has not been able to make an impact to change the course of events yet. Cases of anarchists repressed for anti-war activities are presented, as well as strategies of support for political prisoners, and modest successes in supporting their struggles.
Thumbnail picture is by MediaZona, you may read their report on anti-war arson attacks in Russia here: https://en.zona.media/article/2022/10/13/burn-map
Links:
Autonomous Action
http://Avtonom.org
Anarchist Black Cross Moscow
http://Avtonom.org/abc
Solidarity Zone
https://t.me/solidarity_zone
Memorial
https://memopzk.org/, https://t.me/pzk_memorial
OVD-Info
https://en.ovdinfo.org/antiwar-ovd-info-guide
RosUznik
https://rosuznik.org/
Uznik Online
http://uznikonline.tilda.ws/
Russian Reader
https://therussianreader.com/
ABC Irkutsk
https://abc38.noblogs.org/
Send mail to prisoners from abroad:
http://Prisonmail.online
YouTube: https://youtu.be/c5nSOdU48O8
Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/libertarianlifecoach/episodes/Russian-anarchist-and-anti-war-movement-in-the-third-year-of-full-scale-war-e2k8ai4
Presentation by Jared Jageler, David Adler, Noelia Duchovny, and Evan Herrnstadt, analysts in CBO’s Microeconomic Studies and Health Analysis Divisions, at the Association of Environmental and Resource Economists Summer Conference.
2. EXPOSURE TO SEXUALLY
EXPLICIT MATERIAL CAUSES A
RELEASE OF STRESS
HORMONES ALSO KNOWN AS
THE “FIGHT OR FLIGHT”
RESPONSE.
3. When children are shopping with their mothers,
and they see a sexually explicit image, their
bodies undergo the stress response, also
known as the fight-or-flight response.
Dr. Judith Reisman testified before Congress
and explained how pornography activates the
fight-or-flight response, triggering an instant,
involuntary, and lasting biochemical trail;
emotionally arousing images imprint and alter
the brain.
6. THE PREFRONTAL
CORTEX
Self-control
Moral
judgmen
t
Emotion
al
regulatio
n
Ability to
work
toward a
defined
Planning
goal
Complex
cognitive
behavior
Analysis
s
7. LIMBIC SYSTEM
The limbic system has been referred to as the
emotional center of the brain. The amygdala is part
of the limbic system. It is responsible for signaling to
other brain areas in response to emotionally
significant visual stimuli (Phan et al., 2002).
The amygdala works more
efficiently under stress
8. HIPPOCAMPUS
The hippocampus is also part of the limbic
system. The hippocampus is involved in
learning and memory (McEwen, 2001;
2004).
The hippocampus plays a critical role in
explicit memory, which is concerned with
facts and events (Sapolsky, 2003).
9. BASAL GANGLIA
Compulsive
Difficulty linking natural consequences with
choices
Increased violence and aggression
Seek immediate gratification
Loss of natural empathy and sympathy for
others
Loss of willpower
Self-centered
Much more likely to engage in addictive
behaviors
10. More detail about chemical compounds
released in response to SEM:
•Amygdala is activated.
•The amygdala released a wave of
neurotransmitters (Arnsten, 2000;
2009). Neurotransmitters are how
brain cells or neurons communicate
with each other.
11. When the wave of
neurotransmitters reach the
prefrontal cortex it causes a
definite reduction in functioning.
The prefrontal cortex is very
sensitive to the level of
neurotransmitters. Too much or
too little inhibits functioning.
12. The wave of neurotransmitters affects the
basal ganglia differently than the
prefrontal cortex. It works more
efficiently. With the basal ganglia in
charge, the individual becomes more
compulsive and driven by immediate
gratification. They essentially become
more like animals driven by reward
stimulation.
13. REVIEW: When a minor is exposed to SEM the amygdala
is activated and releases a wave of neurotransmitters
(dopamine and norepinephrine). The wave causes the
prefrontal cortex to shut down and the basal ganglia to
work more efficiently. The individual becomes more
impulsive and driven by immediate gratification.
14. CORTISOL IS CONSIDERED
THE “STRESS HORMONE”
• The wave of neurotransmitters activates the
hypothalamus. The hypothalamus activates the
adrenal cortex, which secretes cortisol.
• Cortisol can directly reduce the functioning of the
prefrontal cortex by blocking transporters that
clear norepinephrine and dopamine, therefore
increasing the levels of neurotransmitters
(Grundaman et al., 1998).
• Brief exposure to cortisol during 10 days was
found to result in marked reduction of the
neuronal complexity in the prefrontal cortex,
causing less efficient information transmission
(Brown et al., 2005).
15. The prefrontal cortex is exquisitely
sensitive to the detrimental effects of
stress. In some cases, even mild
uncontrollable stressors may lead to
compromised cognitive abilities,
including deficits in working memory,
cognitive flexibility, and emotional control
(Arnsten, 2009).
16. STRESS
The amygdala and basal ganglia are affected
oppositely of the prefrontal cortex in response to
stress.
“Chronic stress appears to expand the intricate
web of connections among neurons in our lower
emotional centers, whereas the areas engaged in
flexible, sustained reasoning begin to shrivel”
(Arnsten, 2012, pg. 51).
17. The hippocampus has abundant
glucocorticoid receptors and is very
sensitive to the stress hormone cortisol
(McEwen, 2001; 2004).
*Remember that the hippocampus has to do with remembering
facts and events.
• Cortisol and stress suppress neurogenesis and
cause neurons to retract (McEwen, 2001; Radley,
2005).
• Chronic stress can cause permanent damage to
the hippocampus (McEwen, 2001).
• Animal models have shown that periodic stress
responses over a period of three weeks were
sufficient to cause neural retraction (Brown et al.,
2005).
18. The hypothalamus also activates the
testes to secrete testosterone. “SEM,
crafts a brain that is constantly
generating testosterone and
heightens sexual desire” (Struthers,
2009, pg. 100).
Instead of allowing boys to focus on
school, sports, and music, SEM
causes a ramped up sex-drive where
their minds are inundated with sexual
thoughts.
19. Elevated testosterone is also linked to
increased aggressiveness and violence
(Nelson et al., 2005).
• A study of 4,462 men linked high testosterone
levels with delinquency, substance abuse and a
tendency toward excessive aggressive behavior
(Dabbs, 1990).
• Another study found that delinquent college
students had raised levels of testosterone when
compared with similar counterparts (Dabbs,
1996).
20. NEURONS
The brain is made up of
neurons, which are brain
cells.
Neurons use
neurotransmitters for
communication between
them.
Neurons have a cell
body and dendrites that
protrude out of the cell
body.
Dendrites can be thought
of as information
grabbers. They “grab”
information from the
adjacent neuron.
The axon branches into
synaptic terminals.
The cell body also has
an axon that protrudes
from it.
21. NEURONAL PLASTICITY
• In recent years there has been a paradigm shift
among the neuroscience community. The brain was
once considered to be inflexible. Science has now
confirmed that the brain is actually very adaptable.
The brain stem that controls breathing and heart
rate is rigid.
• Obviously, constant changes there would be
detrimental to good health.
What area of the brain is most susceptible to
change?
…PREFRONTAL CORTEX
22. In humans the development of the
prefrontal cortex lags behind the
development of the limbic system and
basal ganglia. This is generally why
teenagers are more emotional and
impulsive. The prefrontal cortex is more
vulnerable to adaptation because
maturation takes longer.
23. THE BRAIN IS
VERY ADAPTABLE
TO STIMULI IT
RECEIVES
NEURONS CAN UNDERGO
DENDRITIC PRUNING OR BUDDING.
24. BUDDING & PRUNING
• Budding refers to an increase in the number of dendrites
on a neuron. The neuron is now able to “grab” more
information, which allows for more efficient information
transmission.
• Pruning is the opposite of budding. Pruning results in
less dendrites on a neuron and a decreased ability to
transmit information.
• A neuron’s anatomy can actually change based on the
level of activation (Vigil et al., 2011). Repeated activation
of a specific collection of neurons will actually strengthen
the connection among those neurons, which will make
them function more efficiently (Steinberg, 2011).
27. DENDRITES
“Dendrites in the prefrontal cortex begin to
change after only one week of stress or
possibly even a single exposure. Chronic
stress during brain development or childhood
may have a particularly large effect on
prefrontal cortex structure and function in
adulthood.”
28. Consider an athlete
who only did
exercises to build up
his biceps. His arms
would soon be out of
proportion.
We do not want our
youth continually
doing basal ganglia
exercises and have a
prefrontal cortex that
is neglected.
29. DOPAMINE
• Dopamine is a neurotransmitter in the brain.
Dopamine is the neurotransmitter found in the
reward area of the brain, the nucleus accumbens,
and is located in the basal ganglia (Jones, 2010).
Dopamine can cause pleasure all the way up to
euphoria. It has the unique ability to cause craving.
• When a young man is exposed to SEM, his normal
physiological response will evoke pleasure and the
desire for more. The seeds of desire are planted
and there is often a desire to seek out more
stimulating material.
30. DOPAMINE
• Responsible for feeling of pleasure all the way
up to euphoria
• Released from viewing sexually stimulating
images and illegal drugs
• Has unique ability to cause craving
• Exploitation of dopamine system actually
causes reduced baseline levels of dopamine.
Diminished dopamine is directly linked to
impulsivity, hyperactivity, and inattention.
31. DOPAMINE BURNOUT
• An interesting phenomenon has been
discovered. Although initial exposure to
SEM causes an increase in extracellular
dopamine levels, chronic over stimulation
actually leads to a decreased extracellular
level of dopamine (Hou, 2011). This is
referred to as the dopamine depletion
hypothesis.
32. DOPAMINE DISRUPTION
IS LINKED TO ADHD
Dopamine is critical to proper functioning
of the brain. The development of the
dopamine system is very sensitive and
excessive activation can lead to long-term
functional changes (Beauchaine, 2011).
Disruption of the dopamine
system is directly linked to
a variety of neurological
conditions including ADHD
(Fox, 2012; Wu, 2012).
33. A person who has disrupted their dopamine
system due to overstimulation is trying to get
“straight” rather than get “high.” Low dopamine
activity is unpleasant, causing a chronically
depressed or anxious mood (Beauchaine,
2011). Individuals who have disrupted their
dopamine system are desperate to obtain
more of the stimulant that will help them just
feel normal again. This is why any kind of
addiction will make a person irrational and
desperate to receive a momentary dopamine
boost.
34. Dopamine is directly tied to mental cognition, and
reduced levels have been found to impair cognitive
flexibility (Garcia & Garcia, 2010).
The prefrontal cortex is very sensitive to the levels of
neurotransmitters.
The prefrontal cortex uses dopamine and if dopamine
burnout has occurred, the prefrontal cortex will not
have the appropriate levels of dopamine required for
optimal functioning. This can result in symptoms that
include difficulty concentrating and impaired
behavioral inhibition.
35. One study found that
when dopamine
transmission was
brought back to
normal levels,
neurophychological
tests did not
improve to the same
extent.
36. The reason illegal drugs are so addicting for some
people is because they also manipulate the dopamine
reward system. It is not the drug itself people desire, it
is the release of dopamine that causes a person to
become “high.”
Another interesting study about dopamine dealt with
video games. This study demonstrated that the level
of dopamine released in the basal ganglia while
playing a video game was similar to an intravenous
injection of the illegal drugs amphetamine or
methylphenidate as recorded by positron emission
topography (Koepp, 1998).
This certainly makes the point that natural rewards can
37. REVIEW
• Dopamine causes pleasure all the way up to
euphoria. Dopamine is the impetus of any
kind of addiction. Dopamine burnout occurs
when levels of dopamine decrease because
of overstimulation.
38. REASONS WHY ADOLESCENTS
HAVE AN INCREASED RISK
FROM THE EFFECTS OF
SEXUAL CUES
• When something is developing it is much
more susceptible to manipulation for good
or bad.
• Next to infancy the most organization brain
development occurs during adolescence
(Vigil et al., 2011).
• “Profound neuronal rewiring takes place
during adolescence (Sisk & Zehr, 2005,
pg.170).”
39. Adolescents have
reduced inhibitory effect
from the prefrontal cortex,
because that area of the
brain does not fully form
until the twenties.
The amygdala is over
reactive in adolescents
(Nelson et al., 2005).
40. • Stress pathways are heightened during adolescence
(Walker et al., 2004). Adolescence is characterized by
a prolonged activation in response to stressors as
compared to adulthood, which may render ongoing
development of the brain vulnerable (McCormick &
Matthews, 2007).
• A teenage boy has an increased release of cortisol, as
compared to his dad, when viewing the same sexually
explicit image. Cortisol impairs functioning of the
prefrontal cortex and chronic stress causes dendritic
retraction in the prefrontal cortex.
41. BOTH CORTISOL AND
TESTOSTERONE ARE STEROID
HORMONES. STEROID
HORMONES ARE DIRECTLY
INVOLVED IN ADOLESCENT
BRAIN ORGANIZATION.
42. • Steroid hormones play a critical role in brain development.
Steroid hormones are testosterone and cortisol. “Glucocorticoids
(cortisol) are hormones that influence ongoing brain development
and program future behavioral and psychological
responses” (McCormick and Mathews, 2007 pg. 228).
• An experiment was conducted in which adolescent rats were
exposed to stressors. These rats were given cognitive tests as
adults. The rats that were stressed all tested inferior to controls,
and those exposed earlier in adolescence showed a greater
decline in cognitive abilities (McCormick and Mathews, 2007)
This again highlights the fact that adolescence is a critical and
vulnerable time of brain development and that an overabundance
of steroid hormones is going to favor the more emotional centers
of the brain.
43. Testosterone literally organizes neural circuits
during adolescence that will stay with them
throughout adulthood (Somerville & Jones,
2010). The effect of testosterone on the maturing
brain predicts agnostic behaviors as an adult
(Schulz & Sisk). Agnostic means aggressive,
defensive, or combative. Higher than average
levels of testosterone correspond to an
increased volume in the amygdala
(Cunningham et al., 2007; NuFeng et al., 2009).
44. Adolescence can be
understood as a unique
opportunity in which the
changes taking place in
the brain affect the
individual throughout
his or her entire adult
life.
45. REVIEW
• The steroid hormones, cortisol and
testosterone, play a very important role in
brain organization that is unique to
adolescence. During adolescence these
hormones help organize neuron circuits that
will be part of the brain through adulthood.
46. In adolescence, an unusually
large amount of synaptic
pruning takes place. “The most
frequently used connections
are strengthened and
preserved, while synapses that
have shown scarce activation
degenerate” (Vigil et al., 2011,
pg.334).
If the amygdala is strengthened
from continuous activation by
SEM there are direct
consequences that can include
increased aggressiveness,
promiscuity, and risk taking.
47. “
”
LARGE AREAS OF
UNCOMMITTED BRAIN TISSUE
CAN BE MOLDED…… TO THE
DEMANDS OF A PARTICULAR
ENVIRONMENT
(Healy, 1991, pg. C5).
We do not want the amygdala-basal ganglia connections
strengthened at the expense of the prefrontal cortex. The
inundation of SEM in our society favors the connections
between the basal ganglia and amygdala.
48. There is normal
synaptic pruning that
takes place during
adolescence. Think of a sculptor that
begins with a block of
marble and removes
material to make his
finished masterpiece.
49. ADOLESCENT DOPAMINE
SYSTEM IS IN A STATE OF
OVERDRIVE
• Particularly in early adolescence the dopamine
system is augmented compared to adults and
children. Research has found that adolescent
nucleus accumbens (or the pleasure center of
the brain) is more active than an adult’s (Ernst
et al., 2005).
• When a teenager is exposed to a sexually
explicit image, more dopamine is going to be
released than an adult. This makes a teenager
more vulnerable to addictions than children or
adults.
50. “There is accumulating
evidence that repeated
exposure to stressful
situations-particularly when
these are unpredictable,
uncontrollable and/or taking
place at vulnerable periods
in life can introduce an
added risk for
psychopathology” (Joels,
2011, pg. 407).
51. An imbalance between the prefrontal
cortex and the amygdala is the basis for
emotional and mood disorders, which
include:
•ADHD
•Anxiety
•Depression
52. Hormones are the
engineers of the brain.
Manipulation of hormones
critical to brain development
WILL cause a different brain
to form.
Even slight changes in optimal
brain development can have
tremendous long-term
consequences for individuals.
53. IS THIS KIND OF BRAIN
DAMAGE REVERSIBLE?
• “If not too far advanced, brain damage and loss
of brain cells can be stopped and genetically
rehabilitated. Prolonged negative stimulation
may produce permanent results that can even be
transferred to those yet unborn” (Belnap, 2008,
pg. 8).
• Changes that develop due to the environment
have been found to be intergenerational
(Rossiter, 1996; Francis et al., 1999).