On This Page:ToggleMyelin SheathSymptomsCausesDiagnosisDemyelinating DisordersTreatment On This Page:Toggle On This Page: Demyelination is the loss or damage to themyelin sheath, the protective covering that surrounds nerve fibers and allows signals to be quickly and efficiently conducted along neurons. When myelin is damaged or stripped away, neuronal signaling slows, leading to impaired sensation, movement, cognition, or other nervous system functions. This loss impairs efficient electrical signal transmission along the neuron, potentially leading to neurological symptoms....

On This Page:TogglePurpose of TestTest PreparationProcedureInterpreting ResultsBrain WavesRisks On This Page:Toggle On This Page: The electroencephalogram (EEG) is a non-invasiveneuroimaging testthat can detect and record minute changes in electrical activity within the brain. This is recorded using microelectrodes (large, flat electrodes stuck to the skin or scalp). The electrical impulses in an EEG recording appear as wavy lines with peaks and valleys. German physiologist Hans Berger was known as the inventor of the EEG back in 1924, where he conducted the first EEG on a human....

On This Page:ToggleGyriSulciDisorders On This Page:Toggle On This Page: These gyri and sulci form important landmarks that allow us to separate the brain into functional centers. Gyri (singular: gyrus) and sulci (singular: sulcus) are the raised and folded structures, respectively, on the cerebral cortex of the brain. Together, the pattern of gyri and sulci gives the brain its characteristic wrinkled appearance, maximizing the cortical surface area within the confines of the skull....

On This Page:ToggleLocationAnatomyFunctionDamageResearch Studies On This Page:Toggle On This Page: In psychology, the hippocampus is a crucial structure within the brain’s medial temporal lobe. It plays a vital role in forming and retrieving memories, spatial navigation, and emotional responses. Damage to the hippocampus can lead to memory impairments and difficulty forming new memories, highlighting its importance in learning and cognition.Where is the hippocampus located?The hippocampus is a curved-shaped structure in thetemporal lobeassociated with learning and memory....

Social anxiety disorder (SAD) is a mental health condition that can significantly impact teenagers’ daily lives and overall well-being. While it’s normal for teens to feel nervous in some social situations, SAD goes beyond typical shyness or occasional discomfort. It is thought that SAD may become prevalent during adolescence for many who struggle with this condition. Understanding how SAD specifically affects teenagers is crucial for early identification and intervention. Is SAD Common in Teens?...

On This Page:ToggleEarly techniquesModern TechniquesRecent developments On This Page:Toggle On This Page: Neuroimaging, or brain scanning, produces images of the brain or other parts of the nervous system. Current neuroimaging techniques typically show the brain’s structure and functions. Neuroimaging is important within psychology to allow in-depth study of what certain areas of the brain are responsible for, as well as being able to identify brain differences in those who may have brain disorders or mental health conditions....

On This Page:ToggleFunctionsLocationStructureDamage On This Page:Toggle On This Page: The occipital lobesare a part of the brain responsible for processing visual information, such as object recognition, color perception, depth perception, and motor detection. Damage to these lobes can result invisual impairments, such as difficulty recognizing objects or disturbances in visual perception. Through a complex network of connections with other brain regions, the occipital lobes contribute to our ability to navigate the visual world, form mental images, and perceive the surrounding environment....

On This Page:ToggleExamplesWhy Is Change Hard?Affect On RelationshipsManaging CompulsionsFrequently Asked Questions On This Page:Toggle On This Page: Repetition compulsion is a psychological phenomenon in which an individual repeatedly re-enacts a traumatic event or its circumstances, seemingly in an attempt to master, heal, or understand the event, even though it may result in harm. It’s a concept rooted in Freudian psychoanalysis, suggesting that people are “compelled” to repeat past behaviors or events....

On This Page:ToggleHow are self-views formed?How do people seek self-verifying partners and environments?Self-verification theory and self-enhancementDo we see self-confirming evidence where there is none?How do people bring others to see them as they see themselves?Are there any contrasting theories to self-verification theory?Frequently Asking Questions On This Page:Toggle On This Page: Self-verification theory posits that individuals seek to confirm their positive or negative self-concepts. People are motivated to maintain consistency between how they view themselves and how others view them, even if these views are unfavorable....

On This Page:ToggleApplicationsNegative SnowballsStopping Negative SnowballsPositive Snowballs On This Page:Toggle On This Page: The snowball effect is a psychological term that explains how small actions can cause bigger and bigger actions, ultimately resulting in a big impact.Imagine a snowball that is rolling down a snow-covered hill. It starts small, but as it gathers more momentum, it picks up more snow, making it larger and larger. The snowball also becomes faster and more powerful as it moves onward....

On This Page:ToggleFunctionsAnatomyLocationThalamus vs. HypothalamusNucleiDamage On This Page:Toggle On This Page: The thalamus is a structure of thebrainthat processes and transmitssensory(except for smell) andmotor informationfrom the body to the cerebral cortex. The thalamus is often described as thebrain’s relay stationas much of the information that reaches thecerebral cortexfirst stops in the thalamus before being sent to its destination. Imagine the thalamus is a train station where passengers (or sensory and motor signals) come to catch their train to their intended location (within the brain)....

On This Page:ToggleBrain VentriclesCerebrospinal FluidAssociated conditions On This Page:Toggle On This Page: The ventricular system is a network of fluid-filled cavities within the brain, including the lateral, third, and fourth ventricles, which produce and circulate cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). CSF provides cushioning, nutrients, and waste removal for the brain, helping maintain a stable environment for optimal neural function.Disruptions in the ventricular system can lead to neurological disorders and conditions, emphasizing its crucial role in brain health....

As a therapist, you’re certainly not required to find a specific niche to focus on. That said, therapy niches have become increasingly common in the world of mental health providers, and for good reason. They’re an effective way to improve treatment outcomes and allow therapists to focus on areas of treatment they most connect to.When you decide to hone in on a specific counseling niche, you can work to deepen your knowledge and expertise in distinct conditions and treatment modalities....

On This Page:ToggleThe Role of the AmygdalaCausesSymptomsAmygdala hijack and mental healthHow to Manage amygdala hijackCoping with amygdala hijackConsiderations On This Page:Toggle On This Page: The amygdala perceives a threat and triggers a fight-or-flight response before the cortical centers can fully assess the situation, essentially “hijacking” the rational response process. This can lead to impulsive reactions to perceived threats. Key Takeaways The Role of the Amygdala Daniel Goleman first coined the term amygdala hijack in his 1995 book titledEmotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ....

On This Page:ToggleFunctionsLocationStructureDamage On This Page:Toggle On This Page: The cerebellum, which stands for ‘little brain,’ is ahindbrain structurethat controls balance, coordination, movement, and motor skills, and it is thought to be important in processing some types of memory. In psychology, the cerebellum is often defined as a brain region responsible for coordinating and refining motor movements, ensuring balance and posture, and facilitatingprocedural learning. While traditionally associated primarily with motor control, recent research has expanded our understanding of the cerebellum’s role, suggesting its involvement in cognitive processes,emotion regulation,working memory, attention, and even some aspects of language processing....