The Elusive Root Cause of Schizophrenia - Thesis Introduction Only

post by kareempforbes · 2024-07-22T20:24:43.155Z · LW · GW · 0 comments

Contents

  Categorization Explanation:
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This review paper aims to examine and explain the root cause of schizophrenia through a theoretical model based on Information Technology (IT) processing principles. The model conceptualizes the brain’s processing ability and capacity in terms of IT processing loads. Chronic trauma and stress degrade the brain’s processing capacity, leading to systemic neural overload. This sustained overload diminishes the brain’s ability to process information and sensory data effectively, resulting in the hallucinations, delusions, and psychosis characteristic of schizophrenia.

The likelihood of developing mental illness, including schizophrenia, can be described through an equation that compares the brain’s processing capacity to the load placed upon it. A value of 1 indicates a state of homeostasis, where the brain’s capacity is equal to the load it must handle. A value higher than 1 suggests an overload, while a value lower than 1 means the brain’s capacity exceeds the load.

When the load exceeds the brain’s capacity, mental illness occurs. If this excessive load is sustained over time, it can lead to schizophrenia.

Brain Computing Function Health/Capacity = Biological Age Risk + Brain Logical Organization + Brain Developmental Health + Brain Physical Health + Brain Neurochemical Health + Brain Cognitive Reserve

This should be less than:

Required Processing Load = Total Physiological Computing Demands or Stress (Sensory Ability + Sensitivity Factor + Cumulative Trauma Load) * (Current/Sustained Environment Sensory Load) * Time

We can describe the relationship of these two factors by their relative state of balance or imbalance. When the brain’s capacity is less than the required processing load, the risk of mental illness increases.

Optimal Well-being (capacity >>> load)
Healthy Balance (capacity > load)
Homeostasis/Equilibrium (capacity = load)
Mental Strain (capacity < load)
Severe Overload (capacity <<< load)

Categorization Explanation:

1. Optimal Well-being (capacity >>> load)

• This state represents high mental healthiness and happiness, where the brain’s capacity far exceeds the processing load.
• Individuals experience a sense of well-being, satisfaction, and contentment.
• There’s ample cognitive reserve to handle stressors and challenges, leading to positive emotions and overall mental wellness.

2. Healthy Balance (capacity > load)

• This state signifies general mental healthiness and resilience, where the brain’s capacity comfortably exceeds the load.
• The brain’s processing capacity is greater than the demands, allowing individuals to function optimally and maintain good mental health.
• While occasional stressors may arise, the individual can effectively cope and adapt without significant impairment.

3. Homeostasis/Equilibrium (capacity = load)

• This state represents normal functioning, where the brain’s capacity matches the processing load, maintaining a balanced state.
• Individuals experience typical levels of stress and cognitive workload.
• They can manage daily tasks and challenges without major difficulty, but may occasionally experience mild stress or strain.

4. Mental Strain (capacity < load)

• This state indicates the onset of mental illness, where the brain’s capacity is insufficient to handle the processing load, leading to stress and potential mental health issues and potentially impaired cognitive function.
• Individuals may experience symptoms such as anxiety, depression, or other psychiatric disorders, indicating an imbalance between capacity and load.

5. Severe Overload (capacity <<< load)

• This state signifies schizophrenia or severe mental illness, where the brain’s capacity is significantly overwhelmed by the processing load, resulting in chronic and severe mental health problems.
• Individuals may experience hallucinations, delusions, disorganized thinking, and other severe symptoms characteristic of schizophrenia.

These categorizations emphasize the varying degrees of mental health and stress, providing a clear and descriptive spectrum from optimal well-being to severe overload. While optimal well-being signify a surplus of capacity over load, homeostasis indicates a rough equilibrium between the two. Mental illness arises when demands exceed capacity, leading to symptoms of anxiety, depression, or other psychiatric disorders.

In contrast, schizophrenia represents an extreme mismatch where the processing demands greatly overwhelm the brain’s capabilities, resulting in severe symptoms like hallucinations and delusions. It’s important to recognize the dynamic nature of mental health and individual variability in capacity and load. By understanding these factors, we can better appreciate the spectrum of mental wellness and identify opportunities for intervention and support.
 

Here is a video link explaining this thesis at a high level (AI assets):

Here is a video link with me explaining my concepts:

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