Musing About Human Biological Conditions

It is quite a simplistic concept. Everything about our living bodies is a chemical and electrical reaction. No one disputes that our bodies are finely tuned biological devices that react to our environments. Food contamination, pollution and contagion are merely a part of the whole environmental effect.

Sure, I am a strong believer that parenting styles have a fair bit to do with children's behaviour and that we should question why certain styles are adopted and what effect our new westernised (anti-extended family) domestic situation has upon our family life. But the answer to the question lies in looking at cause and effect (the old chicken or the egg paradox). Are we looking at a symptom or a cause?

I don't believe that the medical profession has delved deep enough yet to fully answer that question. I believe that illnesses are an effect, not a cause. Bacteria, viri, chemicals and genetic anomalies are the key cause for physiological, mental and behavioural conditions. The medical profession merely labels such conditions so that they can categorise and treat "it". But more often than not they are treating the symptoms, not the cause.

My well-used example is having a headache. More often than not, headaches (not migraines) are caused by dehydration and can be overcome by drinking adequate fluids. however, our usual reaction is to go and grab some paracetamol, aspirin or codeine and wash it down with a glass of water!! How ironic! Chemicals to fix chemicals .. .and yes, even water is a chemical ... but it is the CORRECT chemical required by the body.

I'm not saying that chemicals are the complete and sole reason for behaviour, but they are certainly proving to be a significant reason. I mentioned the physiological effect of electronic entertainment as another cause, but there are others and I'm not about to claim that I know all the reasons. It might be decades or centuries before we can claim to understand the forces at work.

Clearly, however, if our bodies are (at their most basic level) a series of chemical reactions, then surely changes in the function and behaviour of our bodies and minds can be influenced and caused by foreign chemicals or high/low doses of our bodies own chemical compounds. This is why mental illnesses are usually treated with chemicals. Whether we feel up or down, angry or scared, at peace or flighty, all depends on our level of chemical compounds such as dopamine, adrenalin, insulin, endorphins and hormones flowing through our veins.

Chemicals are not the only answer, but they are certainly significant enough to warrant close attention.