Mental illness Flashcards
What are the main impacts of autism spectrum disorders?
- troubles with social interaction
- troubles with communication
- restricted/repetitive behaviors
What is the incidence of ASD?
1%
What is the heritability of autism?
70%
What is the heritability of ASD?
90%
What are the developmental differences of people with ASD?
early brain overgrowth
What are the possible causes for early brain overgrowth in people with ASD?
- altered neuronal migration during gestation
- abnormal formation of synapses/dendritic spines
- overconnectivity of brain regions
- unbalanced excitatory-inhibitory neural networks
What is the main difference between the brain activity of ASD and non-ASD people?
ASD: little to no activity in the fusiform face area
What is the mode of action of anticonvulsants?
rises GABA receptor activityh
What is the mode of action of antidepressants?
heightens serotonin receptor activity
What is the mode of action of antipsychotics?
lowers dopamine receptor activity
What is the mode of action of stimulants?
heightens dopamine receptor activity
What is the main characteristic of major affective disorders?
disordered feelings
What are the two main mood disorders?
- bipolar disorder
- major depressive disorder
what is the prevalence of depression in women?
7%
What is the prevalence of depression in men?
3%
What is the percentage of risk od BD associated with genetics?
80%
What is the estimated prevalence of bipolar disorder in the population?
1%
How is mania characterized?
- unjustified euphoria
- incessant speech
- incessant motor activity
What is the treatment for bipolar disorder?
- lithium
- anticonvulsants
What is the effect of lithium?
- prevents mania, which means there is no onset of depression
What is the percentage of risk of MDD associated with genetics?
40%
What are the main characteristics of depression?
feelings of:\
- hopelessness
- guilt
- lack of worth of the self
WHat is the presumed mode of action of lithium?
decreases dopamine activity to reduce excitatory neurotransmission in the brain
What are the possible molecular treatments for MDD?
drugs that increase serotonine and/or neuropinephrine
What are the different types of molecules used in the treatment of MDD?
- SSRI
- SNRI
- tricyclic antidepressants
What is the mode of effect of tricyclic antidepressants?
- inhibits reuptake of serotonine and neuropinephrine
- affects most neuromodulators
What are the effects of SSRI?
inhibits reuptake of serotonineW
What are the effects of SNRI?
inhibit reuptake of serotonine and neuropinephrine
What areas are targeted by deep brain stimulation in the treatment of MDD?
- subgeneral anterior cingulate cortex
- nucleus accumbens
What areas are targeted by transcranial magnetic stimulation in the treatment of MDD?
pre-frontal cortex
What are the different treatments available for MDD?
- drugs that increase serotonin/neuropinephrine signaling by inhibiting their enzymatic breakdown/their reuptake
- ketamine
- electroconvulsive thrapy
- transcranial magnetic stimulaiton
- vagus nerve stimulation
- bright-light therapy
- sleep deprivation
What is the precursor molecule of serotonine?
triptophane