The biochemistry of belief

• Published in: Indian journal of psychiatry Vol. 51; no. 4; pp. 239 - 241
• Main Authors: Sathyanarayana Rao, T S, Asha, M R, Jagannatha Rao, K S, Vasudevaraju, P
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: India Medknow Publications and Media Pvt. Ltd 01.10.2009; Medknow Publications & Media Pvt. Ltd; Medknow Publications
• Subjects: Beliefs; Biochemistry; Bone density; Brain; Dopamine; Neurotransmitters; Physiological aspects; Threats; India
• ISSN: 0019-5545; 1998-3794
• DOI: 10.4103/0019-5545.58285

Several cases of 'Disappearance of warts' have been reported by Ornstein and Sobel wherein they ponder on how the brain translates the suggestions (sometimes using hypnosis) into systematic biochemical battle strategies such as chemical messengers sent to enlist the aid of immune cells in an assault on the microbe-induced miniature tumor or probably small arteries are selectively constricted, cutting off the vital nutrient supply to warts but not touching the neighboring healthy cells. [...] all symptoms of medicine work through our beliefs. When you believe you are depressed (more precisely, when you become consciously aware of your 'Being depressed'), you stamp the raw data received through your sense organs, with a judgment - that is your personal view - and physically become the 'interpretation' as you internalize it.\n Studies by Krummenacher et al, have shown that dopamine levels are associated with paranormal thoughts suggesting the role of dopamine in belief development in the brain.