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Integrative Psychiatry & Brain Function:
Understanding Your Nervous System

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1

Understanding

the Brain:

Key Structures & Mental Health

Each brain lobe has specific functions and communicates through neurons using neurotransmitters to regulate thought, behavior, and body processes.

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  • Frontal Lobe

    • Handles decision-making, planning, movement, and emotions.

  • Parietal Lobe

    • Processes touch, temperature, pain, and spatial awareness.

  • Temporal Lobe

    • Manages hearing, memory, and emotions.

  • Occipital Lobe

    • Interprets visual information and supports visual memory.

  • Cerebellum

    • Coordinates balance, posture, and smooth movement.

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2

How the Nervous System Impacts Your Mental Health

The nervous system is divided into two main parts:

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  • Central Nervous System (CNS)

    • Includes the brain and spinal cord. The brain lobes in the CNS control specific functions like movement, sensation, memory, and emotion, while the spinal cord transmits signals to and from the body.

  • Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

    • Connects the CNS to the rest of the body, carrying sensory information and controlling voluntary and involuntary actions.

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Together, the CNS and PNS work with the brain lobes to respond to internal and external stimuli, keeping your body and mind in balance.

3

Neurotransmitters & Integrative Psychiatry

Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that help brain lobes and the nervous system communicate.

 

Integrative psychiatry supports neurotransmitter balance with medications, nutrition, lifestyle, and mindfulness.

 

Neurotransmitter examples:

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  • Serotonin

    • mood, sleep, appetite

    • depression, anxiety

  • Dopamine

    • motivation, focus

    • ADHD, depression, schizophrenia

  • GABA

    • relaxation

    • anxiety, insomnia

  • Glutamate

    • learning, memory

    • cognitive issues

  • Norepinephrine

    • alertness

    • depression, ADHD

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Integrative Psychiatry Approaches for
Nervous System Health

Your brain lobes, nervous system, and neurotransmitters work together to

guide mood, focus, and behavior, and

integrative psychiatry helps nurture balance for a calmer, clearer mind.

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Learn More About
Why Integrative Psychiatry in Matters

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