Lec 3: Neural Basis of Abnormal Behavior Flashcards
Neuroscience Paradigm
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
Neurotransmitter
chemical that allows neurons to send a signal across the synapse to another neuron; can be excitatory (ex. glutamate) or inhibitory (ex. GABA)
Receptor Site
located on postsynaptic neuron to absorb neurotransmitter; can be excitatory (ex. glutamate receptor) or inhibitory (ex. GABA receptor)
Reuptake
reabsorption of leftover neurotransmitter by presynaptic neuron; inhibiting reuptake is one kind of treatment
Disorders associated with Serotonin and Dopamine
depression, mania, schizophrenia
Disorders associated with Norepinephrine
anxiety, stress related disorders
Disorders associated with Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA)
anxiety, alcoholism
Possible Mechanisms for Neurotransmitter Effect on Psychopathology
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
Sulci
define regions or lobes; central sulcus divides frontal and parietal lobes; lateral sulcus separates temporal lobe from everything
Lobes
regions of the brain; frontal, parietal, temporal, and occipital
Pre-frontal Cortex
in charge of decision making
Frontal-Parietal Network
works together to help people make a decision to delay a reward
Hippocampus
memory, encodes traumatic events; related to anxiety
Hypothalamus
regulates metabolism, temperature, perspiration, blood pressure, sleeping, and appetite
Amygdala
regulates attention and memory to emotionally salient stimuli
HPA Axis
involved in stress; hypothalamus, CRF, pituitary, ACTH, adrenal cortex, cortisol; cascade causes a lag between being stressed and cortisol appearing in the bloodstream
Sympathetic NS
part of ANS; excitatory; heartbeat acceleration, pupil dilation, gastrointestinal inhibition, electrodermal activity increase
Parasympathetic NS
quiescent; heartbeat deceleration, pupil constriction, gastrointestinal activation;
Autonomic Nervous System (ANS)
controls fight or flight and calming body reactions; involved in anxiety disorders, especially Panic and PTSD
Neuroscience and Treatment
psychoactive drugs alter neurotransmitter activity (ex. antidepressants, antipsychotics, benzodiazepines); neuroscience view doesn’t preclude psychological interventions
Reductionism
view that behavior can best be understood by reducing it to its basic biological components; cannot account for more complex views of behavior
