How it works: The science
This "feel-good" neurotransmitter is often linked to the brain's reward system and Schizophrenia.
What is Dopamine
These drugs changed mental health care by treating depression chemically.
What is antidepressants
The most common biomedical treatment for psychological disorders today.
What is medication/drug therapy
Often called "Shock Therapy," this is a safe and effective treatment for severe, treatment-resistant depression
What is Electroconclusive Therapy (ECT)
This ice-pick surgery was once used to "calm" patients by damaging the frontal lobe.
What is a Lobotomy
Low levels of this neurotransmitter are most commonly associated with Depression.
What is serotonin
This common brain scan uses magnets to take a "picture" of the brain's structure.
What is an MRI
These medications are specifically used to treat hallucinations and delusions in Schizophrenia.
What is Antipsychotics
This "non-invasive" treatment uses magnetic pulses to help people with depression.
What is TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation)
In the Middle Ages, people thought mental illness was caused by these "evil" entities.
What are Demons/Spirits
The tiny gap between two neurons where chemical messages are sent
What is Synapse
This 1928 discovery of the first "wonder drug" paved the way for modern medicine.
What is Penicillin
This "therapy" occurs when a patient’s symptoms improve simply because they expect the treatment to work.
What is the Placebo Affect
This device, often called a "Brain Pacemaker," is used for Parkinson's or severe OCD.
What is Deep Brain Stimulation
Before modern hospitals, people with mental illness were often locked away in these crowded facilities.
What are Asylums
This part of the limbic system is known as the brain's "alarm bell" for fear and anxiety.
What is the Amygdala
These are the chemical "blueprints" or instructions that determine a person's traits.
What is DNA
These drugs, such as Xanax or Valium, are used to quickly reduce the symptoms of panic or dread
What are Anti-anxiety drugs
This is the general term for using an electrical current to change brain activity.
What is Neuromodulation
This 18th-century "treatment" involved spinning patients in a chair until they became nauseous.
What is Rotational Therapy
This term refers to the brain’s ability to change and "rewire" itself after learning or injury.
What is neuroplasticity
This breakthrough allows doctors to look at a patient's genes to see if a psych med will work.
What is Genetic Testing
This modern model of health looks at the interaction between biology, thoughts, and social environment
What is a Biopsychosocial model
This type of "feedback" training lets patients see their brain waves on a screen to learn focus.
What is Neurofeedback
This ancient practice involved drilling a hole into a person's skull to "release evil spirits."
What is Trepanation