Chapter 19: Neurobiology of Schizophrenia, Mood Disorders, and Anxiety Disorders Flashcards
Which neurotransmitter is reduced in people with schizophrenia?
a. Dopamine
c. Acetylcholine
b. Gamma-aminobutyric acid d. Serotonin
ANS: B
In the dorsal prefrontal cortex of schizophrenic brains, glutamic acid decarboxylase, the
major enzyme in gamma-aminobutyric acid GABA biosynthesis, is diminished, which
likely impairs synaptic performance and cognitive and behavioral functions associated
with this brain region. The other neurotransmitters mentioned in the option choices are not
related to the presentation of schizophrenia.
PTS: 1 REF: Page 643
Alterations in which part of the brain are linked to hallucinations, delusions, and thought disorders associated with schizophrenia? a. Parietal lobe c. Temporal lobe b. Limbic system d. Hypothalamus
ANS: C
Antipsychotic drugs block which neurotransmitter receptor?
a. Norepinephrine
c. Serotonin
b. Gamma-aminobutyric acid d. Dopamine
ANS: D
The dopamine hypothesis initially suggested that abnormal elevation in dopaminergic
transmission contributes to the onset of schizophrenia. This hypothesis was based on
pharmacologic studies showing that antipsychotic drugs are potent blockers of brain
dopamine receptors; therefore the other options are incorrect.
What data confer the link between bipolar disorders and schizophrenia?
a. Individuals with bipolar disorder who exhibit psychotic behaviors have deficits in
reelin expression linked to genetic loci located on chromosome 22.
b. Individuals with schizophrenia who exhibit psychotic behaviors have deficits in
serotonin linked to genetic loci located on chromosome 16.
c. Individuals with bipolar disorder who exhibit psychotic behaviors have deficits in
gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) linked to genetic loci located on chromosome
20.
d. Individuals with schizophrenia who exhibit psychotic behaviors have deficits in
reelin expression linked to genetic loci located on chromosome
ANS: A
Interestingly, loci on chromosomes 18 and 22 have been linked to bipolar disorder and
schizophrenia. Individuals with bipolar disorder, who may exhibit psychotic behavior,
have deficits in reelin expression linked to genetic loci located on chromosome 22, which
confers susceptibility to schizophrenia. The remaining options do not appropriately
describe the link between bipolar disorder and schizophrenia
Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) system abnormalities exist in a large percentage of individuals with: a. Schizophrenia c. Mania b. Major depression d. Panic disorde
ANS: B
Excessive activation of the HPA system resulting in elevated glucocorticoid secretion is
found in a large percentage (30% to 70%) of people with major depression, suggesting that
mechanisms responsible for HPA hormone alterations contribute to the pathophysiologic
condition of depression. HPA system abnormalities do not necessarily exit in individuals
represented by the remaining options.
The link between major depression and cortisol secretion is that individuals with
depression:
a. Show suppression of plasma cortisol when given dexamethasone.
b. Have a decreased plasma cortisol level, despite the administration of exogenous
corticosteroids.
c. Show that persistently elevated plasma cortisol levels can result in inflammation
that is believed to trigger depression.
d. Have normal plasma cortisol levels throughout the day when they take
antidepressant medication as prescribed
ANS: C
.
Persistent elevations in cortisol may also induce immunosuppression that compromises the
body’s immune systems to contain inflammation and infectious diseases. Increasing
evidence suggests that inflammation is another risk factor that triggers the onset of
depression. The options related to dexamethasone and exogenous corticosteroids are not
true as they apply to depression and cortisol secretion.
When treating individuals with depression, the result produced by electroconvulsive
therapy (ECT) is believed to be an alteration in:
a. The monoamine systems
c. Norepinephrine
b. Serotonin
d. The limbic system
ANS: A
Although the mechanism of action of ECT is not clear, the procedure is known to produce
alterations in only the monoamine systems.
PTS: 1 REF: Page 652
Which electrolyte imbalance contributes to lithium toxicity?
a. Hypernatremia
c. Hyperkalemia
b. Hyponatremia
d. Hypokalemia
ANS: B
Lithium toxicity can be a result of hyponatremia. Lithium is normally removed from the
kidneys; however, when the body is sodium depleted, the kidneys reabsorb sodium along
with lithium. Lithium toxicity does not result from any of the remaining options.
PTS: 1 REF: Pages 652-653
Which neurotransmitter is inhibited in panic disorders?
a. Norepinephrine
c. Dopamine
b. Serotonin
d. Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)
ANS: D
Panic disorder also may involve the GABA-benzodiazepine (BZ) receptor system. The
other options are more related to depression.
PTS: 1 REF: Page 65
Persistent symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) include:
a. Depression
c. Nightmares
b. Hypertension
d. Poor nutrition
ANS: C
.
In PTSD, the individual re-experiences the traumatic event as intrusive collections or
flashbacks during the day and during persistent nightmares. Nightmares replicate the
traumatic experiences and often prevent sleep. The remaining options are not typically
attributed to PTSD.
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Significant numbers of individuals with depression have problems related to: (Select all that apply.) a. Sleep cycles b. Weight stabilization c. Eating patterns d. Thyroid function e. Cognitive skills
ANS: A, B, C, D
Insomnia, loss of appetite and body weight, and reduced interest in pleasurable activities
and interpersonal relationships frequently accompany depression. Approximately 20% to
30% of persons with unipolar depression have an altered hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid
(HPT) system. Impaired cognitive skills are not necessarily associated with depression.
PTS: 1 REF: Pages 648 | Pages 650-651
Which neurotransmitter is inhibited in generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)? (Select all that
apply. )
a. Acetylcholine
b. Serotonin
c. Dopamine
d. Norepinephrine
e. Epinephrine
ANS: B, D
Abnormalities in the norepinephrine and serotonin systems were reported in GAD. The
other options are more related to depression.
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What are the most common side effects of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)? (Select all that apply.) a. Orthostatic hypotension b. Dry mouth c. Sleep disturbances d. Agitation e. Nausea
ANS: C, E
Common side effects of SSRIs include sleep disturbances (e.g., insomnia) and nausea. The
remaining options are not common side effects of SSRIs.
PTS: 1 REF: Page 652
