A number of different parts of the brain have different functions, and damage to them can cause different effects. Other things such as chemicals being released into the body can also influence how we feel and behave. Sometimes, these changes may not be bad at all; for example, drugs used to treat epilepsy often make people feel better and improve their mood. However, sometimes they can cause undesirable side effects and cause problems instead. For instance, taking certain types of medication can increase the risk of developing dementia later in life. In extreme cases, surgery may be needed to remove or disconnect parts of the brain if they are causing negative symptoms. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is another type of procedure that involves applying electrical pulses to the brain to stimulate chemical reactions. Although ECT is still commonly used to treat severe depression, it is no longer recommended as a first-line option because it carries too high a risk of memory loss.
Psychotropic drugs work more subtly, manipulating brain chemistry to enhance or disrupt particular neural pathways. Yet, they may also cause unwanted side effects and lead to dependence. While some psychologists question the benefits of physical therapy, controlled studies of patients given placebos instead of drugs revealed significant improvements in health conditions such as back pain, depression, and asthma. In addition, many people feel better after receiving a placebo, suggesting the potential for psychological treatments of physical symptoms.
