Limbic System And Anxiety

Question 1

What forms the hippocampus formation?

Answer 1

Dentate gyrus
Hippocampus proper
Subiculum

Question 2

3 things that occur from prolonged stress in general adaptation syndrome.

Answer 2

Muscle wasting
Immune supresssion
Hyperglycaemia

Question 3

MOA of busipirone?

Answer 3

5HT agonist

Question 4

Give some differential diagnosis for panic attacks.

Why are benzodiazepines used?

Answer 4

Hyperthyroidism
Atrial fibrillation
Phaeochromocytoma
Drug use (amphetamines)

GABA levels low in cortex.

Question 5

Distinguish between an obsession and compulsion.

Answer 5

Obsessions are recurrent thoughts that persist despite individual trying to ignore them, knowing they are without purpose and irrelevant.

Compulsions are explicit rituals/ obsessional motor acts that either reduce anxiety or that the patient feels like they have to perform.

Question 6

Psychotherapy OCD
Medical
Surgical

Answer 6

CBT and exposure response therapy
SSRI, clomipramine (TCA)
Deep brain stimulation of the STN

Question 7

Give four features of Tourette’s syndrome.

Answer 7

Tics
ADHD
OCD
Behaviour problems (poor impulse control etc)

Question 8

Two possible pathophysiological mechanisms behind OCD.

Answer 8

Basal ganglia re-entry circuits

Reduced serotonin.

Question 9

Give four OCD related disorders.

Answer 9

Body dystrophic disorders
Expiration disorder
Hoarding
Trichotillomania

Question 10

Give some symptoms of PTDS.

Answer 10

Increased reactivity 
Irritability 
Difficulty concentrating
Hypervigilance
Sleep difficulties 
Repetitive and intrusive re-enactment of the event in memories, daytime imagery or dreams,.

Question 11

Give two factors in the Pathophysiology of PTSD.

Answer 11

Hyperactivity of the amygdala - exaggerate response to perceived threat
Cortisol levels low - normally inhibits traumatic memory retrieval and sympathetic response.

Question 12

Give psychotherapy for PTSD.

Answer 12

CBT

Eye movement densitisation and reprocessing