Abnormal Psychology L5

Question 1

What are the brain abnormalities of people with Schizophrenia?

Answer 1

Enlarged ventricles
Prefrontal Hypometabolism (less activity on left side)
Dopamine Paradox

Question 2

What are some consequences of enlarged ventricles?

Answer 2

• reduced blood-flow
• lower brain volume
• this can be used to differentiate healthy twins from schizophrenic twins in 12/15 cases from brain imaging.

Question 3

Describe the dopamine paradox of schizophrenia,

Answer 3

Dopamine neuron is underactive in prefrontal cortex (leads to negative symptoms of schizophrenia).
This leads to the release of mesolimbic dopamine neurons from inhibitory control (this leads to the positive symptoms of schizophrenia.
Meaning that schizophrenia symptoms are caused by both not enough dopamine and also too much dopamine simultaneously

Question 4

Describe 1st generation anti-psychotic medication

Answer 4

• 1950s
• good at reducing positive symptoms
• side effects include Tardive Dyskinesia (muscle contraction) and Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (allergic reaction to medication)

Question 5

Describe 2nd generation anti-psychotic medication

Answer 5

• good at combatting positive and negative symptoms

- reduced side effects

Question 6

What are some cognitive treatments for schizophrenia?

Answer 6

Cognitive Rehabilitation
- Modifying over and under attention
Cognitive Restructuring
- Challenge delusional beliefs
- Psychoeducation

Question 7

Cognitive treatments for schizophrenia are _____ compared to biological treatments.

Answer 7

ineffective.

Question 8

Why are Psychotic and Bipolar disorder grouped together?

Answer 8

Both caused by brain abnormalities
Symptoms overlap
Both primarily treated with medication

Question 9

What is the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for a manic episode?

Answer 9

One week of elevated, expansive or irritable mood
Three of the following
- Grandiose self esteem
- Lower need for sleep
- Overly talkative
- Racing thoughts
- Easily distracted
- Increased activity or agitation
- Engagement in high risk activities

Question 10

Describe a Hypomanic episode

Answer 10

• four days of elevated, expansive, or irritable mood
• mood disturbance does not critically impair ability to work or study
• responses uncharacteristic and observable by others

Question 11

What are the three types of Bipolar disorders?

Answer 11

1. Bipolar 1 Disorder (major depressive + manic)
2. Bipolar 2 Disorder (major depressive + hypomanic)
3. Cyclothymic Disorder (persistent depressive + hypomanic)

Question 12

What is the prevalence of DSM-5 bipolar disorder in the US?

Answer 12

12 month: 1.6%(men) 1.5%(women)

lifetime: 2.2%(men) 2.0%(women)

Question 13

What is the prevalence of DSM-5 bipolar disorder in NZ?

Answer 13

3.8%

Maori = 8.3%

Question 14

Is bipolar disorder heritable?

Answer 14

Yes, 80%/93% can be attributed to genetics

Question 15

The genetic risk factors for bipolar disorder are ______ then the genetic risk factors for depression

Answer 15

higher

Question 16

What are the biochemical abnormalities that result in bipolar disorder?

Answer 16

Evidence for biochemical reactions resulting in episodes:
Low Seratonin + High Norepinephrine = mania
Low Seratonin + Low Norepinephrine = depression
Breakdown in Sodium ions affecting neuron action potential

Question 17

What are some structural brain abnormalities that result in bipolar disorder?

Answer 17

Overly active Striatum
Deficits in membranes
Basal Ganglia and Cerebellum

Question 18

Another name for biological treatment is…

Answer 18

Psychotropic medication

Question 19

What is the most common treatment for bipolar disorder?

Answer 19

Lithium - mood stabilizer
Anticonvulsants
Atypical antipsychotics