Final Flashcards
What differentiates MDD from Persistent Depressive Disorder?
MDD involves more severe symptoms for ≥2 weeks, while PDD is chronic, less severe, lasting ≥2 years.
Name three biological structures affected in MDD.
The prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, and anterior cingulate cortex.
What is the “permissive model” of depression?
It posits serotonin imbalance disrupts norepinephrine and dopamine regulation, contributing to depression.
What is a major side effect of tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs)?
Drowsiness, dry mouth, and sexual dysfunction.
What distinguishes Bipolar I from Bipolar II?
Bipolar I includes full manic episodes, while Bipolar II involves only hypomanic and depressive episodes.
Define rapid cycling in bipolar disorder.
Experiencing ≥4 mood episodes within one year.
What percentage of bipolar disorder is heritable?
Between 60% and 87%.
What is a significant drawback of lithium treatment?
Requires careful monitoring due to potential toxicity and long-term organ effects.
What are the two key pharmacological criteria for substance use disorders?
Tolerance and withdrawal.
Which substance has the highest rates of dependence?
Nicotine (32%), followed by heroin (23%).
Name two biological treatments for opioid addiction.
Naloxone (overdose reversal) and buprenorphine (partial agonist/antagonist).
What is the DSM-5 criterion for “risky use” in substance use disorders?
Use in physically hazardous situations or causing physical/psychological problems.
What are positive and negative symptoms of schizophrenia?
Positive: Delusions, hallucinations. Negative: Flat affect, avolition, anhedonia.
What neurotransmitter is central to schizophrenia’s biochemical model?
Dopamine, with excess in some areas and deficiency in others.
Name a side effect of first-generation antipsychotics.
Tardive dyskinesia (involuntary movements), portruding tongue, pursed lips
What is the goal of cognitive therapy for schizophrenia?
To identify triggers, reframe delusions, and reduce anxiety-provoking beliefs.
What is the key difference between delusional disorder and schizophrenia?
Delusional disorder involves persistent delusions without the broader psychotic symptoms seen in schizophrenia.
Name two types of delusions commonly seen in psychotic disorders.
Persecutory (belief of being targeted) and grandiose (belief of having special powers or status).
What are common comorbidities with schizophrenia?
Substance use disorders, depression, and cardiovascular diseases.
What is the “dopamine hypothesis” of schizophrenia?
The theory that excessive dopamine activity in some brain regions and deficient activity in others contribute to symptoms.
What psychosocial treatment strategies are effective for schizophrenia?
Family therapy to reduce expressed emotion, cognitive therapy to reframe delusions, and social skills training.
What is the significance of “prodromal symptoms” in schizophrenia?
Early warning signs (e.g., social withdrawal, mild hallucinations) that precede full-blown psychosis.
What is the purpose of criminal commitment?
To determine a defendant’s competency to stand trial or after a verdict of “Not Criminally Responsible by Reason of Mental Disorder” (NCRMD).
What are the criteria for NCRMD?
The person must have been incapable of appreciating the nature of their actions or knowing their actions were wrong due to a mental disorder.
What is civil commitment?
A procedure to hospitalize individuals with mental illness who may pose a risk to themselves or others without them committing a crime.
What rights do patients have under civil commitment laws?
The right to treatment, the right to refuse treatment, and the right to appeal commitment decisions.
What is the role of “expressed emotion” in family interactions and relapse in schizophrenia?
High levels of criticism, hostility, or over-involvement increase the likelihood of relapse.
What are some controversies surrounding community treatment orders?
Balancing patients’ autonomy with public safety and ensuring adherence
What is the definition of a psychoactive substance?
Any natural or synthesized product that alters perceptions, thoughts, emotions, or behaviors.
What are the DSM-5 categories of substance-related disorders?
Substance Intoxication, Substance Withdrawal, and Substance Use Disorders.
What is tolerance, and how is it classified?
Tolerance is needing increased amounts of a substance to achieve the same effect or experiencing diminished effects with continued use.
What are withdrawal symptoms for heavy cannabis users?
Irritability, restlessness, sleep problems, and appetite loss.
Who is most at risk for hallucinogen-induced psychotic disorders?
Individuals with a family history of schizophrenia or those with pre-existing psychological conditions.
Who is most at risk for developing depressive disorders?
Women (2:1 ratio compared to men), individuals with a family history of mood disorders, and adolescents experiencing significant stress.
What are cultural differences in the presentation of depressive disorders?
Some cultures emphasize somatic symptoms (e.g., physical complaints) over emotional symptoms due to linguistic or cultural norms.
What is “double depression”?
It refers to major depressive episodes occurring alongside Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD).
What are two common psychotic features seen in severe Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)?
Delusions (e.g., guilt or punishment) and auditory hallucinations (e.g., self-critical voices).
What is the typical onset age for Major Depressive Disorder?
The average onset age is 25 years, but it is increasingly observed in adolescents.
What psychosocial factor significantly increases the risk of MDD in adolescence?
Stressful life events such as family conflict, loss, or relationship breakups.
Who is most at risk for developing Bipolar Disorder?
Individuals with a family history of bipolar disorder, women (higher rates of mixed episodes), and those with early onset severe depression.
What is the prevalence of Bipolar Disorder?
Bipolar I affects approximately 1.3% of the population, while Cyclothymic Disorder affects around 0.4%.
What is the gender ratio for rapid cycling in bipolar disorder?
Women are more likely than men to experience rapid cycling
What are key symptoms of a manic episode?
Grandiosity, decreased need for sleep, flight of ideas, increased activity, and risky behaviors.
What is the average age of onset for Bipolar Disorder?
Around 18 years, with early-onset cases linked to more severe outcomes.
What are common triggers for bipolar episodes?
Stressful life events, sleep disruptions, and significant interpersonal changes.
Who is most at risk for developing substance use disorders?
young adults aged 18-25, individuals with a family history of addiction, and those experiencing mental health disorders such as anxiety or depression.
What is the most commonly abused substance?
Alcohol, followed by cannabis and opioids.
What are the primary risk factors for opioid addiction?
Prescription painkiller misuse, younger age (late teens to early 20s), and higher prevalence in men and Indigenous populations.
What are some complications associated with substance use disorders?
Health issues (e.g., liver damage, HIV), social problems (e.g., unemployment), and increased risk of accidents or legal issues.
What percentage of alcohol users develop dependence?
Around 9% of alcohol users, with higher risks for early-onset drinkers.
How does route of administration affect substance addiction?
Faster routes (e.g., injection, smoking) are associated with higher addiction potential.
Who is most at risk for developing schizophrenia?
Young adults in their late teens to early 20s (earlier in men), those with a family history of schizophrenia, and individuals exposed to prenatal stress or complications.
What is the prevalence of schizophrenia worldwide?
Approximately 0.2% to 1.5%.
What are the two primary categories of symptoms in schizophrenia?
Positive symptoms (e.g., delusions, hallucinations) and negative symptoms (e.g., flat affect, avolition).
What environmental factors contribute to schizophrenia?
Early-life stress, prenatal malnutrition, or viral infections during the second trimester of pregnancy.
What is “hypofrontality” in schizophrenia?
Reduced activity in the prefrontal cortex, linked to cognitive deficits.
What is the difference between schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder?
Schizoaffective disorder involves symptoms of schizophrenia combined with mood disorder symptoms.
