Case 12 Flashcards
4 central dopamine pathways
Mesocortical - VTA to PFC
Mesolimbic - VTA to NAc
Nigrostriatal - Substantia Nigra to Striatum
Tuberoinfundibular - Hypothalamus to Pituitary
Components of limbic system
Hippocampus
Cingulate gyrus
Hypothalamus
Anterior thalamic nuclei
Function of limbic system
Cortical control of emotion
Storage of memory
Function of prefrontal cortex
Planning and executing actions
PFC and limbic system are connected by
Cortical-Subcortical-Cortical loops
Connections between PFC and Limbic system are affected by…
Major depressive disorder
Schema
Pattern of negative thoughts
about self, the world, and the future
Biased attention
Negative views about self
Biased processing
Negative views about the world
Biased memory
Negative views about the future
Areas of the brain which have increased activity in depression (increased metabolism)
Hippocampus
Amygdala
Thalamus
Areas of the brain which have decreased activity in depression (decreased metabolism)
Prefrontal cortex
Dorsal Anterior Cingulate Cortex
Dorsolateral prefrontal cortex
Dorsal Vs Ventral Anterior Cingulate Cortex
Dorsal - Cognitive (connected to prefrontal cortex)
Ventral - Emotional (connected to amygdala and hippocampus)
Function of Ventrolateral PFC
Mediator of pain, aggression, libido and appetite
Function of Lateral-Orbital PFC
Mediator of maladaptive, perseverative mood states
Function of Dorsolateral PFC
Maintains executive function, sustained attention/concentration and working memory
(Hypoactive in depression - appear withdrawn)
Dopamine binds to…
D1 and D2 receptors
Noradrenaline binds to…
Adrenergic receptors
Excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters are… (fast/slow)
Fast
Exert effects in less than 1 millisecond
Modulatory neurotransmitters are… (fast/slow)
Slow
Take up to minutes but have longer lasting effects
Excitatory neurotransmitters
Glutamate
Dopamine (D1)
Noradrenaline
Adrenaline
Inhibitory neurotransmitters
Dopamine (D2)
Serotonin
GABA
Tyrosine Hydroxylase
Converts Tyrosine to L-DOPA
Requires Fe2+, O2 and BH4
Conversion of L-DOPA to Dopamine requires…
AADC enzyme
Vitamin B6 cofactor
Conversion of Dopamine to Noradrenaline requires…
DBH enzyme
Vitamin C cofactor
Cu2+ cofactor
Conversion of Noradrenaline to adrenaline requires…
PNMT enzyme
A methyl donor
Where is NA converted to A?
Locus coeruleus
Adrenergic neurons and adrenal medulla
Where is dopamine converted to noradrenaline?
Noradrenergic neurons
Where is L-DOPA converted to dopamine?
Cytosol of dopaminergic neurons
Tryptophan Hydroxylase (TPH)
Converts Tryptophan to 5HT
Conversion of 5HT to 5-HT requires…
AADC
Conversion of 5HT to 5-HT causes release of…
CO2
Function of locus coeruleus
Alertness/Arousal
response to stress and panic
Locus Coeruleus contains
Noradrenergic neurons
Serotonin receptors 1A,B,D,E,F
Activated by triptans
Serotonin receptors 2A-C
Activated by hallucinogenic drugs
Blocked by atypical antipsychotics
5HT3 Receptor
The only ionotropic receptor
Serotonin receptors are usually
GPCR
Adrenergic system receptors
Alpha 1 = Gq
Alpha 2 = Gi
Beta = Gs
Dopaminergic system receptors
D1 = Gs D2 = Gi
Monoamine hypothesis
Depression caused by a functional deficit in monoamines (esp. 5-HT and NA)
Chemical hypothesis
Depression is caused by underactivity/impaired function of monoamines
Network hypothesis
Depression is caused by impaired neuronal communication and problems processing information
Cortisol concentration in depressed people is…
High
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor
Supports neuronal survival in hippocampus, cortex and basal forebrain
Low in depression
MOA of Imipramine/Nortryptyline/Amitriptyline
TCAs
Inhibit 5-HT and NA reuptake into presynaptic cleft
ADRs caused by TCAs blocking mACh receptors
Dry mouth
Constipation
Drowsiness
Blurred vision
ADRs caused by TCAs blocking H1 Histamine receptors
Drowsiness
Weight gain
ADRs caused by TCAs blocking alpha-1 adrenergic receptors
Dizziness
Hypotension
ADRs caused by TCAs blocking voltage-gated Na+ channels
Arrhythmias
Long QT syndrome (Torsade de Pointes)
Contraindications of Desipramine/Amitryptyline
TCAs:
On adrenergic vasoconstrictors - cause arrhythmias On barbiturates (sedative hypnotics) - cause severe respiratory depression On acetaminophen (paracetamol) - P reduces metabolism of TCA
Effect of TCAs with adrenergic vasoconstrictors
Can cause arrhythmias
Effects of TCAs with barbiturates
Severe respiratory depression
Effects of TCAs with acetaminophen (paracetamol)
Paracetamol reduces metabolism of TCA, causing toxicity
MOA of citalopram/sertraline
SSRIs
Selectively inhibit reuptake of 5-HT into presynaptic cleft
Common ADRs of SSRIs (paroxetine/citalopram)
Anxiety Gastric upset Headache Weight gain Nausea and vomiting (overactivation of 5HT3)
Effect of overactivation of 5HT3 due to SSRIs
Nausea and vomiting
Effect of overactivation of 5HT2A in spinal cord and nucleus accumbens due to SSRIs
Sexual dysfunction
Notable ADRs of SSRIs (citalopram/fluvoxamine)
Insomnia
SSRI dyscontinuation syndrome
Sexual dysfunction
Increased risk of bleeding
SSRI dyscontinuation syndrome
Flu-like symptoms
Changes in sleep, movement, thinking, mood, movement, senses
Serious ADRs of SSRIs
Hyponatraemia
Increased bleeding
Serotonin syndrome
Serotonin syndrome
Increased temperature Increased reflexes Agitation Tremor Sweating Dilated pupils Diarrhoea
Drug interactions of SSRIs
SSRIs decrease metabolism of Codeine, benzodiazepines, Erythromycin
MOA of reboxetine/atomoxetine
NRIs
Inhibition of noradrenaline reuptake into synaptic cleft
ADRs of reboxetine/atomoxetine
NRIs:
Anorexia Chills Constipation Dry mouth Headache Insomnia Urinary retention
MOA of SNRIs (Venlafaxine/Duloxetine/Milnacipran)
Inhibit 5-HT and norarenaline reuptake into presynaptic cleft
ADRs of Venlafaxine/Duloxetine
SNRIs:
Agitation - tremor, increased blood pressure and heart rate
Nausea
Diarrhoea
Anorgasmia
Risk in TCA overdose
Ventricular dysrhythmias
Contraindications of venlafaxine/milnacipran
SNRIs:
Conditions with high risk of cardiac arrhythmias
Uncontrolled hypertension
MOA of Moclobemide
Selective Monoamine Oxidase A inhibitor
MOA of Phenelzine/Tranylcypromine
Non-selective MAO inhibitor
ADRs of phenelzine
MAOI: Dry mouth, Constipation, Drowsiness, Hypotension, Insomnia Weight gain
Interactions of phenelzine
MAOI:
Cheese Reaction with foods containing tyramine (beer, wine, aged cheese, marmite)
Rage, mania, suicidal behaviour
Tyramine = increased release of NA = increased activation of SNS
Contraindications of phenelzine/moclobemide
Phaeochromocytoma
Cerebrovascular disease
Thyrotoxicosis
Bipolar Affective Disorder
MOA of Buproprion
Atypical
Inhibits Dopamine reuptake and weakly inhibits NA reuptake
ADRs of buproprion
Atypical antidepressant: Headache Dry mouth Agitation Insomnia
Contraindications of buprioprion
Atypical Antidepressant: Acute alcohol withdrawal Acute benzodiazepine withdrawal Hx of seizures Hepatic cirrhosis
MOA of mirtazapine
Alpha-2 adrenergic receptor antagonist
Also antagonist of 5HT2A and 5HT3
ADRs of mirtazapine
Atypical Antidepressant:
Dry mouth
Sedation
Weight gain
Why does alpha-2 adrenoceptor antagonism aid in depression?
Presynaptic Alpha-2 receptors are the ‘brakes’ on noradrenergic neurones.
When alpha-2 receptors are blocked, there is no inhibition of NA neurons
Why is St John’s Wort not prescribed for depression?
Many interactions with conventional drugs due to induction of metabolising enzymes (If StJW is stopped, increase in concentration of interacting drug = TOXICITY)
Amount of active ingredient varies between preparations.
MOA of ketamine
NMDA receptor antagonist (the glutamate receptor)
How does ketamine improve mood?
Blocks action of glutamate.
Increased in BDNF - causing synaptogenesis
Reversal of cellular atrophy due to stress/glucocorticoids
Negative impact of giving exogenous cytokines (interferon-alpha and TNF)
Profound depressive illness
Immunological Hypothesis for depression
Raised inflammatory cytokines (The sick role)
Modulation of HPA axis
Raised cortisol
Cortisol is neurotoxic - particularly to hippocampus
Singular Nucleotide base Polymorphisms (SNPs)
Variation in a single nucleotide that occurs at a specific position in a genome
Copy Number Variants (CNVs)
Sections of genome are repeated and number of repeats in genome varies between individuals in the human population.
Penetrance
The extent to which a gene is expressed in the phenotypes of individuals carrying it
CNVs with relatively high risk of schizophrenia
VCFS deletion
3q29 deletion
Orexin is released from…
Lateral and posterior hypothalamus
Orexin is released in response to…
Low blood glucose
High ghrelin
Effect of orexin
Orexigenic
Leptin is released from…
Adipocytes
Leptin is released in response to…
Stomach distention
Insulin
Effect of leptin
Anorexigenic
Ghrelin is released from…
Gastric mucosa in stomach and small intestine
Ghrelin is released in response to…
Empty stomach
Low blood glucose
Effect of ghrelin
Orexigenic
PYY is released from…
L cells in colon/ileum
PYY is released in response to…
Calorie intake
Effect of PYY
Anorexigenic Slows peristalsis (to maximise absorption)
CCK is released from…
I cells in duodenal mucosa
CCK is released in response to…
Products of protein an fat digestion in duodenum
Effect of CCK
Anorexigenic
Slows gastric emptying
Emptying of gallbladder (contraction)
Why do patients with PWS have increased appetite?
Hyperghrelinaemia (orexigenic) = failed satiety response
Areas of brain involved in “Wanting”
VTA
Amygdala
Ventral Pallidum
Nucleus Accumbens
Areas of brain involved in “Liking”
Ventral Pallidum
Nucleus Accumbens
How does ghrelin stimulate appetite?
Acts on ghrelin neurons
Ghrelin neurons send fibres to NYP and AgRP containing neurones
Stimulates release of orexigenic peptides
Ghrelin neurons also send inhibitory fibres to POMC containing neurones.
Inhibits release of anorexigenic peptides.
How does leptin inhibit appetite?
Inhibits NYP and AgRP containing neurons.
Stimulates POMC neurons
Effect on appetite of 5HT2c activation
Inhibits (activates POMC containing neurons)
Effect on appetite of 5HT1b activation
Stimulates (inhibits POMC containing neurons)
Somatic syndrome
Loss of appetite and weight loss >5% in one month
Symptoms of atypical depression (CRH deficient)
Craving foods high in CHO + weight gain
Hypersomnia
Effect of inflammatory cytokines on appetite
Decreases appetite
3 Key aspects of storm and stress in adolescence
Conflict with parents
Mood disruptions
Risk behaviour
Onset of adrenarche in females
6-9yrs
Onset of adrenarche in males
7-10yrs
Adrenarche
Activation of HPA axis
Zona reticularis to produce androgens
Results in secondary sexual characteristics and changes in sweat glands
Onset of gonadarche in females
8-14yrs (11 mean)
Onset of gonadarche in males
9-15yrs (12 mean)
Gonadarche
Reactivation of hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis.
Pulsatile release of GnRH during sleep.
FSH and LH release from A. Pituitary.
Gonadal steroid release - oestrogen and testosterone.
3x Endocrine events during puberty
Adrenarche
Gonadarche
Activation of growth axis
Age of pubertal growth spurt in females
12yo
Age of pubertal growth spurt in males
14yo
Function of testosterone in puberty
Develop neural circuitry for typical male behaviour
Defeminisation
Behavioural effects of sex steroid hormones (Oestrogen and testosterone)
Reproductive behaviours
Reorganisation of sensory and association regions
Motivation and reward behaviour
Area of the brain responsible for reproductive behaviours
Hippocampus
Areas of brain responsible for motivation and reward behaviour
Nucleus Accumbens
Dopaminergic pathways to PFC
Effect of early life stressors on the brain
Neuronal atrophy due to chronically high cortisol
Leads to dysregulation of HPA system
Pruning
Elimination of rarely used neural connections in the brain to make it more efficient.
Occurs during adolescence
Grey matter maturation occurs in…. first, then ….
Motor and sensory systems first
Then frontal, parietal and temporal cortices (involved in integrating primary function)
Maturation of PFC during adolescence results in…
Greater control of thoughts and behaviour
Long term planning
Self evaluation
Improved connectivity between PFC and limbic system during adolescence results in…
Improved decision making
Better risk and reward system
Average age of schizophrenia onset
15-25 yrs
Circadian rhythms
Occurring over approximately one day
Includes changes in temperature, heart rate, respiration rate and metabolism.
Ultradian rhythms
Occur over less than one day
e.g. passing through different stages of sleep
Infradian Rhythm
Occurs over more than 1 day
e.g. menstrual cycle
Stage 1 of sleep
Alpha waves 8-12 Hz
Low amplitude, moderate frequency.
Drowsy wakefulness
(Wakes immediately if aroused)
Stage 2 of sleep
High amplitude
Slower frequency
K complexes
Sleep spindles
(More difficult to arouse than stage 1)
K complexes
Unique to stage 2 of sleep
Suppress cortical arousal
Aid sleep-based memory consolidation
Sleep spindles
Unique to stage 2 of NREM sleep
Immediately follow muscle twitching
Stage 3 of sleep
Delta waves appear (1-2Hz)
Large amplitude,
Low frequency
Decreased breathing, heart rate and body temperature)
Stage 4 of sleep
Dominated by delta waves
Bruxism
Jaw clenching
Hrs of sleep for a baby
16
Hrs sleep for children
9-16
Hrs sleep for teenagers
9
Hrs sleep for adults
7-8
Why is muscle tone lost in REM sleep?
Alpha motor neurons inhibited
Vital signs in REM sleep…
Because…
Increased blood pressure, respiration and heart rate
Because sympathetic NS is partially activated
Blood flow to the brain during REM sleep
High blood flow to visual cortex - due to complex visual material in dreams.
Low blood flow to inferior frontal cortex - poor temporal organisation and bizarreness)
What is the effect of shutting down the frontal cortex during REM sleep?
Limbic system no longer inhibited
Limbic system involved in emotion, motivation, long term memory and olfaction
Effect of activity in noradrenergic neurons on REM sleep
Inhibits REM sleep
Effect of activity in 5-HT neurons on REM sleep
Inhibits REM sleep
Effect of activity in cholinergic neurons on REM sleep
Promotes REM sleep
Seasonal Affective Disorder
Increased melatonin release from pineal gland during darkness.
Melatonin causes sleepiness.
Leads to severe disruption in mood.
Preferred phase shift pattern of sleep
Day shift
Evening shift
Night shift
i.e. Delay > Advance
Morning melatonin causes…
Delay (go to sleep later - when it is dark in the morning)
Afternoon melatonin causes…
Advance (go to sleep earlier - when it is dark in the afternoon)
Evening melatonin is…
Ineffective
Zeitgebers
Cues in the regulation of the body’s circadian rhythm
e.g. Light
Initiation of sleep
Activity in serotonergic neurones.
Decreased activity in reticular formation and cortex.
Allows sleep to be initiated.
REM sleep is initiated by..
Activity in noradrenergic neurons
Melanopsin
Photopigment found in light sensitive retinal ganglion cells
SCN retains its cyclicity when maintained in vitro, therefore….
It can be transplanted - sets the rhythm of the donor animal in the receiving
How does the body respond to sleep deprivation?
Increases slow wave, NREM sleep (stages 3 and 4)
Decreases REM sleep (satisfying sleep)
Why is NREM sleep less satisfying?
Areas of the brain involved in memory consolidation and retrieval are not shut down.
Serotypes associated with low hypocretin levels in CSF
HLA DR2 and DQ1
Patient enters REM sleep almost immediately after starting a daytime nap.
This suggests…
Chronic sleep deprivation
Multiple sleep latency test (MSLT)
Measure time elapsed from start of a daytime nap to the first signs of sleep.
Used in diagnosis of sleep disease.
Hypocretin
Neuropeptide that regulates arousal, wakefulness and appetite
Serotypes associated with Narcolepsy
HLA DR2 and DQ1
Cause a reduction in hypocretin in CSF
Narcolepsy is caused by…
Destruction of cells that produce hypocretin
Therefore, reduction in levels of hypocretin in CSF
Symptoms of narcolepsy
Excessive daytime sleepiness
Falling asleep suddenly, without warning
Sleep paralysis (unable to move or speak when waking or falling asleep)
Treatment of narcolepsy
Modafinil - daytime
Sodium oxybate - at night
Education
Psychology
MOA of Modafinil
Inhibits DA reuptake
Activates glutamatergic circuits
Inhibits GABA
Promotes wakefulness
Used in narcolepsy.
Sodium Oxybate
A metabolite of GABA.
Taken at night by narcolepsy patients.
Cataplexy
Sudden muscular weakness caused by strong emotions.
Symptoms of cataplexy
Jaw drop, head slump, leg collapse, slurred speech, double vision etc.
Triggered by strong emotion e.g. laughter, anger, surprise
Treatment of cataplexy
Gamma-hydroxybutyrate (CNS depressant)
Antidepressants
Gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GBH)
CNS depressant used to treat cataplexy.
Active ingredient is Sodium Oxybate, a metabolite of GABA.
Benign Rolandic Epilepsy
Partial epileptic seizures during sleep, causing a reduction in REM sleep.
Sleep disorders often seen in people with epilepsy
Narcolepsy
Sleep apnoea
Restless leg syndrome
Night terrors
Sleep deprivation and epilepsy
Sleep deprivation often causes seizures in people with epilepsy.
Drugs which induce an unnatural sleeping pattern…
Morphine
Barbiturates
Benzodiazepines
What is the effect of drugs which induce an unnatural sleeping pattern?
Reduction in REM sleep
Patient will appear drowsy on waking
Drugs which induce a natural sleeping pattern..
Melatonin
Tryptophan
Use of melatonin in hospitals
Used to promote a natural sleeping pattern.
Can be used for a maximum of 2 weeks.
Napping rules for good sleep hygiene
Avoid napping during the daym particularly after 3pm.
Limit naps to 1 hour
Role of astrocytes in blood brain barrier
Formation and maintenance of tight junctions between cerebral endothelial cells.
Role of pericytes in the blood brain barrier
Secrete proteins to contribute to basal membrane
Area postrema is located..
In medulla
Area of brain that lacks a blood-brain barrier
Area Postrema
Function of area postrema
Controls vomiting
Fenestrated capillaries allow small molecules to enter brain.
Chemoreceptors detect toxins in the blood and trigger vomiting.
MOA of valproate
Sodium channel blocker
Increases GABA in the brain
Indications for valproate
Bipolar
Epilepsy
Migraine
SERT
Serotonin transporter
Definition of clinical anxiety
Preparation for danger in the absence of an immediately threatening stimuli
Cognitive component of emotional memories occurs in..
Hippocampus
Emotional component of emotional memories occurs in…
Lateral nuclear complex of Amygdala
Panic disorder
Discrete episodes of intense anxiety accompanied by somatic symptoms
Glutamic acid Decarboxylase
Converts glutamate to GABA
Structure of GABA-A receptos
Pentamer
B2, a1, B2, a1, G2
GABA-A is selectively permeable to…
Cl-
Function of GABA-B channels
Inhibit voltage gated Ca2+ channels
Inhibit Adenylyl Cyclase
Open K+ channels (hyperpolarisation)
CRF/CRH neurons are found in the….
Hypothalamic periventricular nucleus
Patients with anxiety have (high/low) GABA in the cortex
Low
Treatment of acute anxiety attacks
Benzodiazepines with sustained action:
Diazepam, Alprazolam, Chlordiazepoxide, Clobazam
Active metabolite in diazepam
Nordazapam
ADRs of benzodiazepam
Drowsiness,
Confusion
Retrograde amnesia
Impaired coordination
How does ethanol exert its anxiolytic effects?
Facilitates GABA-mediated GABA-A receptor Cl- channels
Long acting benzodiazepines
Diazepam,
Chordiazepoxide
Short acting benzodiazepine
Lorazepam
Temazepam
Indication for propanolol in treatment of anxiety
When physical symptoms such as sweating, tremor and tachycardia occur
MOA of buspirone
5-HT1A receptor agonist
Indication for buspirone
Generalised anxiety disorder
ADRs of buspirone
Nausea
Dizziness
Headache
Nervousness/Excitement
Contraindications of buspirone
Epilepsy
Acute porphyria
Paranoid schizophrenia accounts for… of all schizophrenia
40%
Disorganised schizophrenia
Disorganised speech and behaviour
Find it hard to do every day tasks
Catatonic schizophrenia
Abnormal movement or behaviour
Undifferentiated schizophrenia
Mixture of different type of schizophrenia
Residual schizophrenia
History of episodes
No current symptoms
Effect of activation of D1 receptors
Activates Adenylyl Cyclase
Effect of activation of D2 receptors
Inhibits Adenylyl Cyclase
D1 type D1 receptors are localised to…
Nucleus Accumbens
Hypothalamus
Thalamus
Frontal cortex
D1 receptors are localised to..
D2 receptors are localised to…
D1 - Mesolimbic pathway
D2 - Mesocortical pathway
Dopamine Theory of Psychosis
Psychosis is caused by dysregulation of dopaminergic pathways.
Overactive mesolimbic pathway (D1 - Gs) causing positive symptoms
Underactive mesocortical pathway (D2 - Gi) causing negative symptoms
Glutamate Theory of Psychosis
NMDA hypofunction
Causes decreased activity in mesocortical pathway (D1) causing negative symptoms
Causes increased activity in mesolimbic pathway (D2) cauing positive symptoms.
MOA of chlorpromazine
Dopamine receptor antagonist (non-selective)
MOA of Haloperidol
Dopamine receptor antagonist (higher affinity for D2 than D1)
Extrapyramidal symptoms of chlorpromazine and haloperidol resulting from D2 blockade of extrapyramidal system
Acute dystonia
Tardive kinesia
Akathisia
Acute Dystonia
Sudden and spastic contraction of muscles, often in face and neck.
Caused by blockade of D2 receptors in extrapyramidal system.
Oculogyric Crisis
Prolonged, involuntary, upward movement of the eyes
A form of acute dystonia
Tardive dyskinesia
Involuntary, abnormal movements
e.g. Oro-buccal-facial causing tongue movements and excessive blinking
Caused by D2 blockade in extrapyramidal motor system
Akathisia
Subjective sense of anxiety and restlessness
Caused by D2 blockade in extrapyramidal motor system
ADRs of conventional antipsychotics
Sedation Dry mouth Blurred vision Urinary retention Constipation
+ Acute dystonia
Tardive kinesia
Akathisia
Main ADRs of chlorpromazine
Increased prolactin (gynaecomastia) Hypothermia Anticholinergic effects Hypersensitivity reactions Obstructive jaundice
Main ADRs of haloperidol
Increased prolactin (gynaecomastia)
Hypothermia
Anticholinergic effects (fewer than chlopromazine)
Hypersensitivity reactions
MOA of clozapine
Atypical
Antagonist of dopamine, serotonin (5-HT2) and other monoamine receptors
ADRs of clozapine
Seizures Salivation ACh effects (dry mouth, constipation) Weight gain Hyperlipidaemia Hyperglycaemia Risk of agranulocytosis
MOA of newer atypical antipsychotics
5-HT2A blockade (higher affinity for 5-HT2A than D2)
Examples: Risperidone, olanzapine and quetiapine
ADRs of risperidone
Weight gain
Hypotension
Hyperprolactinaemia
ADRs of olanzapine
Weight gain
Hyperlipidaemia
Hyperglycaemia
ADRs of Quetiapine
Sedation/Drowsiness
Tachycardia
Weight gain
Constipation
MOA of caffeine
A2 purine receptor antagonist
Partial phosphodiesterase inhibitor
MOA of amphetamines
Inhibit of reuptake of monoamines into presynaptic membrane
Increases dopamine release
Effects of amphetamines
Euphoria Insomnia Increased stamina Anorexia Increased blood pressure Decreased GI motility
MOA of cocaine
Inhibits catecholamine reuptake
Increases firing of 5-HT in mesolimbic pathway
Decreases 5-HT firing of neurons in dorsal raphe nuclei
Physiological effects of cocaine
Tachycardia
Vasoconstriction
Increased blood pressure
MOA of MDMA
Inhibits 5-HT reuptake
Stimulates 5-HT release
Effects of MDMA
Psychostimulant
Empathogenic
MOA of LSD
Mimics 5-HT
Agonist of 5-HT2A receptors
Effects of LSD
Alters perception by affecting how the retina processes information and conducts it to the brain
(Psychotomimetic)
MOA of cannabis
THC acts on CB1 receptors in brain and CB2 receptors in peripheral tissues.
Inhibits GABA release
Therefore, dopamine released from Nucleus Accumbens
How do opiates cause euphoria?
Mu-opioid receptor agonist
Acting on receptors in the limbic system
Side effects of opiates
Constipation
Respiratory depression
Structures in brain responsible for opiate tolerance
Ventral Tegmental Area
Nucleus Accumbens
Structures in brain responsible for opiate withdrawal
Locus coeruleus
Noradrenergic neurones in brainstem
Pre and perinatal insults associated with schizophrenia
Low birth weight
Obstetric complications and infection
Markers of neurodevelopmental disorder associated with schizophrenia
Cognitive impairment
Motor delay
Brain changes at onset of schizophrenia
Enlarged ventricles
Reduced grey matter
Contraindications of clozapine
Cardiac disorders Hx of neutropenia/agranulocytosis Bone marrow disorder Alcoholic and toxic psychosis Uncontrolled epilepsy
Pharmacological control of ADRs of clozapine
Aripiprazole
Metformin can also be used to control weight gain
Effects of Aripiprazole
Reduces weight, serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
Used in conjunction with clozapine to reduce its side effects.
Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) is used for…
PTSD
Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) is used for…
Certain anxiety disorders e.g. OCD
Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT) is used for…
Personality disorders
Substance use
Self Harm
Functional Analytic Psychotherapy (FAP) is used for…
An alternative to CBT,
Depression
Anxiety disorders
Bipolar
Hallucinations can be…
Auditory Visual Tactile Olfactory Gustatory
What are delusions?
Abnormal thoughts
Beliefs that do not form part of the person’s culture.
Fixed, usually paranoid and persecutory in nature.
Thought disorder/Confusion is…
Trouble organising thoughts logically, making up meaningless words, feeling as though thoughts are being removed (thought blocking)
Insight (a symptoms of schizophrenia)
Subject of delusion is believed to be true with 100% conviction
The 5As - Negative Symptoms of Schizophrenia
Affective flattening Alogia Avolition/Apathy Attention Anhedonia
Alogia
Poverty of speech (reduction in amount of speech)
Anhedonia
Loss of interest in and pleasure from previously rewarding activities
Avolition/Apathy
Lack of motivation and interest in goal directed behaviour
Affective flattening
Diminished range of emotional expressiveness
When Px in clozapine are quitting smoking they must…
Have their daily dose of clozapine monitored by the psychiatrist.
Since nicotine is an enzyme inhibitor.
Drastic reduction in smoking could produce toxic effects.
OCEAN (personalities)
Openness Conscientiousness Extraversion Agreeableness Neuroticism
Temperament inventory
Novelty seeking
Harm avoidance
Reward dependence
Persistence
Character inventory
Self-directedness
Cooperativeness
Self-transcendence
Thought components assessed in MSE
Content
Process
Flow
Form of thought
Form of thought is circumstantial…
Long-winded
Form of thought is tangiential…
Loses goal direction
Neologism
Making up new words
Knight’s Move/Derailment
Discourse consisting of a sequence of unrelated or only remotely related ideas
Distortions
Hyperaesthesia (excessive physical sensitivity)
Vivid sounds and colours
Seen in mania and autism
Illusions
Real stimulus
False perception
e.g. “I saw a man down a dark alley”
Hallucinations
No stimulus
False perception
Can be in any sensory modality
Pseudohallucinations
Voices heard within mind
Involuntary
Internal
Seen in personality disorder
Echo de la Pensee
Own thoughts spoken aloud
“In external space”
Speaking in 2nd or 3rd person
Depersonalisation
Feeling detached from your own body and sense of self
Seen in anxiety, sleep deprivation, sensory deprivation, drug intoxication
Derealisation
Feeling that everything around you is not real (is plastic, or has a “movie quality”)
Seen in anxiety, sleep deprivation, sensory deprivation, drug intoxication.
Parts of MSE (7)
Appearance/Behaviour Speech Mood/Affect Perceptions Thoughts Cognition Insight
Confabulation
Lying without meaning to (Wernicke-Korsakoff’s)
Insight
Level of understanding exhibited in relation to symptoms.
Do they attribute symptoms to mental disorder?
Accept the need for treatment?
Fugue
Loss of awareness of identity
Dissociative Conversion Disorder
Patients present with numbness/blindness/paralysis with no organic cause
Secondary delusions
Understandable in the context of their emotional state
e.g. low self esteem - believe they are responsible for a crime
Secondary delusion of persecution
“Someone is trying to kill me”
Secondary delusion of grandiosity
“I am the new messiah”
Secondary delusion of nihilism
“I am already dead”
Delusional perception
Perception is normal but has been interpreted delusionally
Delusions of thought interference
Insertion, withdrawal, broadcasting i.e. someone is putting thoughts in their head
Delusions of passivity
Affect, impulse, volition
Someone is making them do what they are doing
Core symptoms of unipolar depression
Low mood
Anhedonia
Anergia
Type 1 Bipolar Affective Disorder
One episode of MANIA
Other episodes of depression/hypomania/mixed affective state
Type 2 Bipolar Affective Disorder
Episode of hypomania
Other episodes of depression (more depression than type 1, more suicidal acts)
NO MANIA or mixed affective state
How does mania differ from hypomania?
Mania is more severe and completely disruptive in daily life.
Hypomania lasts for a few days
Mania must last for at least one week.
Symptoms of somatic syndrome
Anhedonia Early morning waking Psychomotor agitation/retardation Loss of appetite Weight loss Loss of libido
Incidence
Number of new cases in a population over a period of time
Prevalence
Proportion of people in the population with the condition
Cotards Syndrome
Person believes that they are already dead
Seen in psychotic depression and dementias
Electroconvulsive Therapy
Induction of Generalised Tonic Clonic Seizure by an electric current under general anaesthetic
Risks associated with ECT
Short term memory impairment
Risks associated ith repeated general anaesthetic (1/5000 deaths)
Dysthymia
Persistent mild depression
Cancer with the highest risk of depression
Lung (13.1%)
How doe stress cause deterioration in cancers?
Stress results in release in TNF-alpha
TNF-alpha inhibits activity of tyrosine phosphatase
Reduced expression of MHC II
Malignant cells escape immune surveillance
Treatment for depression in cancer patients
SSRIs
SNRIs if SSRIs are ineffective
Features of PTSD
Avoidance of reminders
Flashbacks/Nightmares
Negative cognitions (guilt, numbing, shame, anger)
Hyperarousal
Brain structures affected by PTSD
Hyperactive amygdala and insula
Hypoactive mPFC and rACC
Self-stigma
Fear or shame that an individual might have that they and their condition will be negatively viewed
Enacted stigma
When a person or group is shunned, denied protection under the law or dehumanised
MOA of Fluoxetine
SSRI
ADRs of fluoxetine
Dose-related abdominal pain
Constipation
Nausea
GI disturbance
Contraindications of fluoxetine
In manic phase of BPAD
Cardiac disease
Epilepsy
MOA of Lorazepam
Benzodiazepine
Acts on GABA-A receptors causing an opening of Cl- channels
ADRs of lorazepam
Amnesia
Confusion
Ataxia
Contraindications of Lorazepam
If respiratory weakness
Chronic psychosis
Sleep apnoea
Indications for fluoxetine
Depression and anxiety disorders
Indications for lorazepam
Anxiety and sleep disorders
Status epilepticus
MOA of moclobemide
Selective MAO-A inhibitor
Indications for mocolobemide
Depression
Anxiety
Psychosis
ADRs of moclobemide
Confusional states (agitation) Dizziness Dry mouth Drowsiness Weight gain Hypotension Insomnia
Contraindications of moclobemide
Thyrotoxicosis
Bipolar (may trigger manic episodes)
MOA of Amitryptyline
TCA
Limits 5-HT and NA reuptake
Also blocks voltage gated Ca2+ channels in CNS
ADRs of amitryptyline
Abdominal pain
Restlessness
Fatigue
Hypertension
Contraindications of Amitryptyline
Cardiac arrhythmias
Acute porphyria
In manic phase of BPAD
ADR which is present in all antipsychotics
Prolonged QT interval
Structural stigmatisation
The belief that mental health services and research don’t deserve as much funding as other health problems
Adjustment disorder
Temporary condition caused by stress - display some symptoms of clinical depression without as many physical/emotional symptoms e.g. sleep and appetite changes