Do mental disorders begin in the mind or in the genes? In this lecture, we will explore the boundary and the bridge between biology and psychology.
The lecture “Biological Foundations of Mental Disorders” takes us into the complex world where molecules, neurons, and genetics shape human behavior, emotions, and suffering. Through authentic clinical vignettes, disorders such as the following will be presented:
- Autism
- ADHD
- Obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Bipolar disorder
- Dementias (Alzheimer’s and other forms)
Participants will learn how to recognize symptoms rooted in biology and how they relate to genetic variations, neurotransmitters, and molecular mechanisms of the brain. The following question will be raised: where does biology end and where does the psychogenic begin? During the final discussion, we will talk about genetic determinism, the inheritance of mental states, and neuroplasticity.
Miloš Rokić is a scientist, psychologist, and psychotherapist who integrates molecular genetics, neuroscience, and clinical psychology. He earned his PhD at Charles University in Prague and worked for several years as a researcher at the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NIH) in Washington. He is a graduated psychologist, trained in analytical and family psychotherapy, with clinical experience at the Institute of Mental Health in Belgrade. Today, he is a research associate at the Institute of Molecular Genetics and Genetic Engineering and a member of international and domestic professional associations in the fields of psychology and neuroscience.
