Normal Anatomy and Physiology

At the lowest part of the brain, where the spinal cord connects, is the
brainstem. It is made up of the medulla oblongata and the pons. The brain stem
controls the pulse and breathing. It also plays a role in informing the brain when
hungry and sleeping time.
Located above and behind the brain stem, in the lower part of our skull, is
the cerebellum. The cerebellum is responsible for voluntary muscle movements.
Above the brainstem is called the limbic system. They are involved in basic
emotions, especially ones that help us survive like fear and anger.

Right near the limbic system is diencephalons. The major parts here are the
thalamus and the hypothalamus. The thalamus acts as an exchange point for the
thinking part of the brain and the sensory signal from the rest of the body. The
hypothalamus plays a role in regulating hormones and other chemicals that affect
the involuntary functioning of the body.
The largest part of the brain is the cerebrum, which lies over all the rest of
the portions of the brain.
Frontal lobe which is in the front top of our brain, deals with problem solving,
planning and decisions. It also coordinates our voluntary movements.
Parietal lobe - which is more to the top middle and back of our brain. Its main job
is to process sensory information
Occipital lobe - is on the back side of our brain and is involved in how we see
things with our eyes.
Temporal lobe wraps around the lower portion of the brain. It is involved in
hearing and smelling and is also involved in memory, emotions and language.
The outer portion of the cerebrum is the ay matter which is called the
cerebral cortex. It is made up of nerve cells that are not myelin coated. Myelin is
basically insulation. Beneath the gray matter is the white matter, which is made up
of nerve fibers that are myelin coated and connect the cerebral cortex to everything
else.
Neurotransmitters:
Serotonin helps control many functions, such as mood, appetite and sleep.

Dopamine mainly involved in controlling movement and aiding the flow of

information to the front of the brain, which is linked to thought and emotion.
Glutamate - the most common neurotransmitter, it is an excitatory transmitter:
when it is released, it increases the chance that the neuron will fire.

Psychopathology:
Pre-morbid state of the patient
-outgoing person
Past experiences
-vices influenced by his friends
Inadequate coping skills
-became drug-user, before and after his first rehab admission
Coping mechanisms
-able to manage condition with proper perception towards treatment