Anxiety Flashcards
What is nacrolepsy?
A condition that is characterised by excessive sleepiness; increased frequency of falling asleep in the daytime
Which brain structure controls the circadian rhythm of the sleep-wake cycle?
The suprachiasmatic nucleus in the hypothalamus
Which neuronal systems are involved in wakefulness?
Cholinergic (ACh) and monaminergic (dopamine, noradrenaline and serotonin) neurones
Which neuronal systems are involved in sleep?
GABA and galanin neurones
How long is the average sleep cycle?
90 minutes
What is REM sleep?
Rapid eye movement phase of sleep
What is NREM sleep?
Non-rapid eye movement phase
What is SWS sleep?
Slow wave sleep
What is transient insomnia?
Jet leg etc.
Whatis short-term insomnia?
Generally associated with illness, bereavement or stress
What is chronic insomnia?
Where the insomnia lasts longer than 3 weeks
What is the target for treating insomnia?
The GABAa receptor
What drugs may be used to treat insomnia?
Benzodiazepines, Z-drugs, orexin antagonists
What is the orexin (hypocretin) system?
Orexins are produced in the hypothalamus (orexin A and orexin B) and these work to regulate arousal and appetite by acting on OX-1 and OX-2 receptors
How may orexin dysfunction lead to narcolepsy?
If there is insufficient orexins, then arousal won’t be stimulated via action of OX-1 and OX-2 receptors leading to excessive drowsiness
What drugs may be used to treat generalised anxiety disorder?
Serotonin receptor agonists, SNRI, SSRI
What brain structure is mainly associated with anxiety?
Hyperactivity of the limbic structures such as the amygdala and this is matched with an inability of the higher cortical structures to control this hyperactivity
What genes are associated with panic disorder?
COMT, CCK, MAOA, 5-HT2 receptor
What problems may arise with benzodiazepine use in the elderly?
Risk of falls, daytime drowsiness, amnesia, respiratory problems, abuse, dependence
What neurotransmitters are implicated in anxiety?
Monoaminergic and GABAergic systems
