What is The Limbic System?

What is The Limbic System?

The limbic system is a group of structures located in the inner part of the brain and is responsible for the regulation of emotions, memory and behavior. This system functions in a wide range from emotional responses to environmental stimuli to fear and escape responses in the face of danger.

The limbic system plays a central role not only in emotional regulation, but also in memory formation and learning processes. The functioning of this system is of great importance both in terms of biological processes and human interaction with the environment. A deeper understanding of this region of the brain sheds light on important developments in the fields of psychology and neuroscience.

What are The Parts and Functions of The Limbic System?

The limbic system, which enables the realization of many vital functions and the correct response to the body’s tissues and organs, consists of four main parts.

The names and characteristics of these parts can be listed as follows:

1. Hypothalamus:

The hypothalamus is the center that establishes the connection between the nervous system and the endocrine system, which are two systems that govern the body. It combines and processes the information generated by controlling and evaluating the functions transmitted by neuron cells in the brain. In addition to functions such as involuntary heartbeat, body temperature and heat balance, it is also responsible for behaviors and habits such as sleep patterns, sexual drive and desire, reproduction, thirst and eating. The hypothalamus also controls the body’s response to stimuli such as stress and anger. If the hypothalamus is damaged, anxiety and stress disorders, depression, etc. may occur.

2. Hippocampus:

The region known as the memory center in the brain is the hippocampus. The hippocampus is responsible for transferring data from short-term memory to long-term memory. The hippocampus also provides logical combinations such as connecting memories with an event.

In addition, if the hippocampus, which also controls the sense of direction, is damaged, problems may occur in many areas, especially short-term memory. In this case, while long-term information is remembered, events experienced in the short term and information learned may be forgotten.

3. Thalamus:

The thalamus is the region that manages the sense of sight, hearing, touch and taste in two regions of the brain. The thalamus can be called the intersection and central point of the sensory centers in the brain. In case of damage or injury to the thalamus, problems such as attention deficit and deterioration in the motor functions of the brain can occur.

4. Amygdala:

Like the thalamus, the amygdala is a structure located on both sides of the brain. The amygdala is the center that manages our emotions and instincts and our reactions accordingly. The amygdala, which is the management center of sudden emotions such as fear, anger, and violence, is also the main center of survival instincts. It allows the evaluation of potential dangers and the management of sudden and rapid reflexes such as fighting, self-defense, and escape. It allows the memories and the emotions that these memories make the person feel to be combined.

What are Limbic System Related Diseases?

Limbic system disorders can invite some permanent diseases that cannot be compensated. As a result of the limbic system being damaged and disrupted, epilepsy, Alzheimer’s, nutritional disorders, depression, abnormalities in libido and persistent pain in the body occur.

Limbic system-related diseases are as follows:

• Seizures, epilepsy or movement disorders,
• Overeating, turning to food for emotional reasons or other appetite disorders,
• Substance use or addiction,
• Mast Cell Activation Syndrome, which can cause a series of chronic symptoms,
• Low energy, chronic fatigue,
• Persistent pain,
• Low motivation, depression,
• Being affected strongly by light stimuli such as sound, light, smell, touch, touch, stress,
• Post-traumatic stress disorder,
• Mental fatigue,
• Problems such as adjustment disorder, memory loss, dementia or Alzheimer’s,
• Behavioral changes such as not recognizing limits in behavior, irritability, violence, mood swings,
• Brain fog, which is defined as difficulty in cognitive functions,
• Fear and anxiety disorders,
• Changes in libido,
• Different problems related to the digestive system,
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder,
• Schizophrenia,
• Bipolar disorder,
• Movement disorders (Huntington’s and Parkinson’s etc.)

What Kind of Results Can Limbic System Functional Imbalances or Problems Lead to?

Imbalances or problems in the functions of the limbic system can lead to various mental and emotional health problems.

Here are some possible results of such problems:

1. Emotional Disorders:

Imbalances in the limbic system can contribute to the development of emotional disorders. For example, conditions such as depression, anxiety disorders, and bipolar disorder are associated with imbalances in limbic system functions.

2. Behavioral Problems:

Imbalances in the limbic system can lead to behavioral problems.

For Example;

• Anger management problems,
• Aggression,
• Impulsive behaviors

Problems such as these can be associated with irregular activation of the limbic system.

3. Increased Stress Responses:

Imbalances in the limbic system can contribute to increased stress responses and the development of chronic stress. This can lead to physical health problems, mental health disorders, and a decrease in quality of life.

4. Memory and Learning Problems:

Imbalances in the functions of the limbic system can cause deterioration in memory and learning processes. Problems in the functions of the hippocampus in particular can affect the formation and recall of long-term memories.

5. Sexual Problems:

Imbalances in the limbic system can lead to irregular sexual urges and behaviors and sexual dysfunctions.

For Example;

• Loss of libido,
• Lack of sexual desire,
• Erectile dysfunction

Problems such as these can be associated with the limbic system being affected.

6. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD):

Imbalances in the functions of the limbic system can lead to results such as PTSD in response to traumatic events. Over-activation of the amygdala and hypothalamus can lead to problems in processing traumatic memories and the formation of PTSD symptoms.

These problems include activation, structural changes or dysfunctions of the limbic system. Therefore, recognizing and treating imbalances in the limbic system is important to improve the emotional and mental health of the individual.

How is The Limbic System Treated?

In order for the limbic system to heal, neurological problems in that part of the brain must be eliminated.

At the same time, a biopsychosocial approach should be applied in cases such as depression and post-traumatic stress disorder.

In limbic system diseases, a roadmap is drawn for treatment under the leadership of a neurologist.

The patient is approached with a multidisciplinary approach according to the type of disease.

For Example;

While cooperation is made with a physical therapy doctor and physiotherapist in a patient diagnosed with Parkinson’s, specialists such as a dietician, psychologist, and psychiatrist should be worked with for an eating disorder.

It should not be forgotten that the treatment is long-term and that control and follow-up are important for a permanent state of well-being.

In limbic center diseases that develop due to any disorder in the body, the chronic or autoimmune disease should be treated first.

Healing the primary disorder and eliminating the causes of the disease provides physical relaxation.

In addition, the improved immune system and reduced inflammation allow the limbic system to strengthen.

Healthy living habits are very important for the recovery and slowing down of diseases that develop due to the limbic system.

Healthy eating, especially intensive consumption of omega 3 sources, strengthens brain health.

Again, eating colorful and unprocessed vegetables and fruits rich in antioxidants is one of the most important ways to reduce inflammation in the brain and body.

In addition, regular exercise, breathing exercises and meditation are habits that are good for both blood circulation and stress management.

Don’t be late to get information about the diagnosis and treatment of limbic system diseases and to make an appointment and regain your health. Make an appointment with your doctor to get the right diagnosis and treatment and don’t postpone a healthier life.