Lec 3: Neural Basis of Abnormal Behavior

Question 1

Neuroscience Paradigm

Answer 1

examines the contribution of brain structure and function to psychopathology; mental disorders linked to aberrant processes in the brain; mechanisms a) neurons/neurotransmitters, b) brain structure and function c) autonomic system and d) neuroendocrine system;
things have to occur in the brain for behaviors to manifest, even very unusual, complex behaviors

Question 2

Neurotransmitter

Answer 2

chemical that allows neurons to send a signal across the synapse to another neuron; can be excitatory (ex. glutamate) or inhibitory (ex. GABA)

Question 3

Receptor Site

Answer 3

located on postsynaptic neuron to absorb neurotransmitter; can be excitatory (ex. glutamate receptor) or inhibitory (ex. GABA receptor)

Question 4

Reuptake

Answer 4

reabsorption of leftover neurotransmitter by presynaptic neuron; inhibiting reuptake is one kind of treatment

Question 5

Disorders associated with Serotonin and Dopamine

Answer 5

depression, mania, schizophrenia

Question 6

Disorders associated with Norepinephrine

Answer 6

anxiety, stress related disorders

Question 7

Disorders associated with Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA)

Answer 7

anxiety, alcoholism

Question 8

Possible Mechanisms for Neurotransmitter Effect on Psychopathology

Answer 8

excessive or inadequate levels of neurotransmitter; insufficient reuptake; excessive number or sensitivity or postsynaptic receptors; these can be caused by DNA coding differences and can make people experience things in a different way

Question 9

Sulci

Answer 9

define regions or lobes; central sulcus divides frontal and parietal lobes; lateral sulcus separates temporal lobe from everything

Question 10

Lobes

Answer 10

regions of the brain; frontal, parietal, temporal, and occipital

Question 11

Pre-frontal Cortex

Answer 11

in charge of decision making

Question 12

Frontal-Parietal Network

Answer 12

works together to help people make a decision to delay a reward

Question 13

Hippocampus

Answer 13

memory, encodes traumatic events; related to anxiety

Question 14

Hypothalamus

Answer 14

regulates metabolism, temperature, perspiration, blood pressure, sleeping, and appetite

Question 15

Amygdala

Answer 15

regulates attention and memory to emotionally salient stimuli

Question 16

HPA Axis

Answer 16

involved in stress; hypothalamus, CRF, pituitary, ACTH, adrenal cortex, cortisol; cascade causes a lag between being stressed and cortisol appearing in the bloodstream

Question 17

Sympathetic NS

Answer 17

part of ANS; excitatory; heartbeat acceleration, pupil dilation, gastrointestinal inhibition, electrodermal activity increase

Question 18

Parasympathetic NS

Answer 18

quiescent; heartbeat deceleration, pupil constriction, gastrointestinal activation;

Question 19

Autonomic Nervous System (ANS)

Answer 19

controls fight or flight and calming body reactions; involved in anxiety disorders, especially Panic and PTSD

Question 20

Neuroscience and Treatment

Answer 20

psychoactive drugs alter neurotransmitter activity (ex. antidepressants, antipsychotics, benzodiazepines); neuroscience view doesn’t preclude psychological interventions

Question 21

Reductionism

Answer 21

view that behavior can best be understood by reducing it to its basic biological components; cannot account for more complex views of behavior