| Human Brain | Evolution | A Model | Building Blocks | A System | Testing | Instability | Behavior & Self | Evolving Self |

Disruption of ANY of the myriad processes that have been described above (that is a deficit in any specialised network, mechanism or information flow) could create an “instability” in the brain’s overall function. If the instability was sufficiently severe, it may result in a disturbed adaptation to one’s physical and social environment.  Any maladaptation will trigger a compensatory enhancement (or shutdown) of functions, as the brain tries to re-establish homeostasis.  The consequent profile of symptoms that an individual might manifest, have been given various diagnostic labels in the field of psychiatry. Variability of brain function has been the grist for the mill of natural selection.  The diversity of human behaviour bears testimony to this fact.  And that is why many variations and mild deficits exist in so called “normals” - who have adequate adaptive function. Psychiatric disorders may simply be MAGNIFICATIONS of these same variations that exist in normals. These magnifications of normal brain function may be relatively simple, but with complicated flow-on effects. For example: Anxiety disorders – inappropriate switching on of the “fight or flight reflex”; Depression – magnified negativity and shutdown of functions, due to loss or failure to meet expectations; Schizophrenia – failure of synchronisation of information processes; ADHD – decreased inhibition of impulse control. In this sense, we may all live on the thin edge of the wedge.  The current pejorative labels in psychiatry may not only be unhelpful stigmata – but might be more accurate if described as instabilities due to magnified variants of normality.

INDUSTRY PARTNER: The Brain Resource Company

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