PassingPsych

A neural network is a series of connected neurons that allows the processing and transmission of information. Neurotransmitters play an important role in neural connections. They are chemical messengers that carry messages between nerve cells (neurons) and other cells in the body, they influence everything from mood to involuntary movement. In this essay, I will give a detailed account of neural networks and the supporting study of Leucher et al.

Leucher et al's field experiment aimed to examine changes in brain function during treatment with a placebo. Their study examined the brain function of 51 patients with depression who received either a placebo or an active antidepressant medication. An EEG was used to compare brain function in the two experimental groups. The design was double-blind and ran over 9 weeks. The study used two different SSRIs (Serotonin Selective Reuptake Inhibitors), which were randomly allocated to participants. The results showed a significant increase in the activity of the prefrontal cortex nearly from the beginning of the trial in the placebo group. The pattern was different from those who were treated with the SSRI but both patients groups got better. This indicates that medication is effective but placebo is also effective. The difference in the brain indicates that the brain is perhaps able to heal itself since there were positive effects for both groups.

Leucher et al demonstrate the formation of neural networks. For example, participants showed increased activity in the prefrontal cortex. This is important because the SSRI is an agonist/excitatory neurotransmitter. Excitatory neurotransmitters block the receptors on the presynaptic neuron increasing the chances of a second action potential which would increase activity in the brain and formation of neural connections.