MCAT Neurological Treatments and Disorders

Question 1

Describe the physiological basis behind Parkinson’s disease and the symptoms.

Answer 1

Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative disease that’s marked by a decrease in dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra.

Marked by slowed movements ( bradykinesia), shifting gait, muscle rigidity, resting tremors.

Question 2

How does medications for depression work?

Answer 2

They’re agonists to monoamines and seek to increase norepinephrine and serotonin in the synapse, prolonging their effect.

• SSRI ( Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) - block reabsorption of serotonin into pre-synaptic neurons.
• MAOI ( Monoamine oxidase inhibitors)- inhibits monoamine oxidase which breaks down monoamines.

Question 3

The dopaminergic neurons from the substantia nigra innervate which brain structure?

Answer 3

The basal ganglia which is in control of initiating movements and inhibiting unwanted or competing movements.

In Parkinson’s disease this modulation is impaired.

Question 4

What are the treatments for Parkinson’s disease?

Answer 4

Dopamine agonists that increase dopamine levels. Deep brain stimulation ( DBS) which sends electrical signals to certain brain areas.

Question 5

What are the two models to approaching the treatment of psychological disorders?

Answer 5

• Biomedical approach- focus only on the physiological.
• Biopsychosocial approach - takes into account the sociological, psychological, and the biomedical.

Question 6

Systematic desensitization

Answer 6

A treatment that’s focused on treating specific phobias in which a the phobia is presented in progressive small steps to expose them and allow them to overcome their phobia.

Question 7

Humanistic psychotherapy

Answer 7

Uses unconditional positive regard to allow patients to grow and change.

Question 8

Cognitive - behavioral therapy

Answer 8

Behavioral therapy that’s focused on replacing negative thoughts and avoidant behaviors with positive thoughts and social behaviors.