Current Issues in Pharmacology

There are many issues concerning pharmacology and whether or not medications are good for the brain. One question which may arise in on this particular subject is whether or not children or adolescence should be diagnosed with bipolar disorder, or otherwise known as PBD. In the past decade alone this subject has opened up tremendously. This subject is being debated very heavily because those who believe that this disorder does in fact exist in children believe that the symptoms are different from those symptoms found in adults (Fritz, 2005). One argument would be that since the symptoms are different then the adult version of bipolar then what these children are experiencing is not bipolar.

Current Issues in Pharmacology

Once investigators started systematically asking adults with bipolar disorder when they had the onset of their first symptoms, it became clear that 20-30% were symptomatic during childhood or adolescence” (Fritz, 2005, para. 3). One of the problems which makes the diagnosis very difficult is the symptoms that children or adolescence experience are not listed in the DSM because the symptoms are different from those found in adults. The differences in these symptoms come from the manic side of this disorder because children or adolescence do not experience mania in the same manner as adults. Manic symptoms in children or adolescence show in the forms of irritability which tends to come on strong and quickly and lasts quite some time, temper tantrums, and aggressiveness towards others (Fritz, 2005). These symptoms are behaviors in which a normal child would experience every so often naturally, but it is the frequency and severity of these symptoms which points towards bipolar disorder. When bipolar disorder shows up in childhood, these cases are usually much more severe then the adulthood versions (Fritz, 2005). “Multiple comorbid conditions are frequently associated with pediatric PBD. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is most common, although oppositional defiant disorder, conduct disorder and anxiety disorders occur at substantial rates as well in these patients” (Price, 2005, para. 20). These conditions can make it difficult for a child or adolescent to be properly diagnosed.

Research on neurotransmitters show that when there is a deficiency or overabundance of one or more neurotransmitters then such things as behavior, concentration levels, memory, and organ function is changed for the worse (Jordan, 2007). One thing which can cause the neurotransmitter deficiency is poor diet and nutrient loss plus lack of exercise. When these changes in the body start to occur, they can affect an individual in many ways. These are divided into four categories which are the physical symptoms, personality changes, memory changes, and last is the attention issues that one may experience (Jordan, 2007).

The four primary neurotransmitters are dopamine, acetylcholine, GABA, and serotonin. Each of these neurotransmitters has its own function and when each is balanced the brain and body work in a productive manner. Dopamine is the neurotransmitter which helps to control an individual’s level of energy, excitement, intelligence, movement, and motivation as well as adrenaline production, blood pressure, ability to set goals, metabolism, and digestion (Jordan, 2007). When an individual experiences an overabundance of the neurotransmitter dopamine he or she may become anxious, aggressive, obsessive, and determined. If there is a deficiency of dopamine the individual may experience or become anemic with blood sugar instability, have bone density loss, high blood pressure, low sex drive or impotence, pain in the joints, thyroid disorders, aggression and anger, depression, sleeping disorders, and ADD (Jordan, 2007).

If there is an overabundance in the neurotransmitter acetylcholine the individual would experience paranoia. If there is a deficiency in acetylcholine then the individual would experience dehydration which comes with other symptoms such as dry mouth and vaginal dryness or impotence. One may also experience anxiety, mood swings, attention problems, impaired creativity and abstract thinking and if the problem persists for a long period of time the individual may experience Alzheimer’s Disease, MS, Bipolar, Osteoporosis, and inflammatory disorders (Jordan, 2007). A diet rich in raw eggs, vitamins, and exercise are a good way to replenish the levels of acetylcholine.

GABA is the neurotransmitter which helps a person stay clam and also helps to create endorphins which work together to allow an individual to want to take care of other people, to be more of a nurturer. When there is an overabundance of the neurotransmitter GABA then that individual will become so nurturing of others that he or she will start neglecting herself or himself (Jordan, 2007). When there is a deficiency in GABA the individual will start having symptoms such as muscle aches and pains and may begin to feel light-headed but these can turn into bigger health issues. These issues include cardiac arrhythmias and heart palpitations, constipation, insomnia, muscle loss, frequent urination, bipolar disorder, depression, phobias, poor memory and poor concentration (Jordan, 2007).

When the levels of serotonin are balanced a person is able to sleep well and enjoy day to day life. An overabundance of serotonin tends to make an individual paranoid and depressed. When there is a serotonin deficiency an individual may experience allergies, hallucinations, aches and pains, heart palpitations and hypertension, difficulty concentration and memory loss as well as restlessness (Jordan, 2007). One of the first symptoms of serotonin deficiency is depression which is quickly followed by insomnia and will then manifest itself physically.

There are two types of postsynaptic potentials which are excitatory and inhibitory. Excitatory means that there is an increase in positively charged ions and inhibitory means that there is an increase in a leakage of ions out of the cell (Facey & Wellins). With an inhibitory postsynaptic potential there is not enough ions to make a difference as there is with the excitatory postsynaptic potential. This is where the overabundance and deficiencies of the neurotransmitters come into play which can cause certain symptoms and behaviors.

References

Facey, S., Wellins, B., Weeks, K., Tatro, M., Fitzgibbons, D., Koehler, R., et al. Communication:

The Nervous and Endocrine System. Retrieved electronically December 10, 2007.

http://academics.smcvt.edu/dfacey/animalphysiology/Communication/AnPhystemplate.ht

Fritz, G. (2005). Bipolar disorder in children and adolescence. Brown University Child and

&Adolescent; Behavior Letter. 21(2). 8-8. Retrieved December 8, 2007 from EBSCOhost.

Jordan, J. (2007). Neurotransmitter Assessment.

http://www.createvibranthealth.com/NT.htm#acetylcholine

Price, L. (2005). Bipolar disorder in children and adolescents: treatment and diagnosis.

Brown University Psychopharmacology Update. 16(4). 6-7. Retrieved December 10,

2007 from EBSCOhost.