Module 2 Flashcards
Mental health
a broad term that encompasses many factors, including how the brain functions, how stress is handled, and how we relate to others.
Serious mental illness affects one out of every____
25 Adults
____ of all chronic mental illness begins before age 14
50%
_____of all chronic mental illness begins by age 24
75%
Diagnosis
Made through observable traits and behaviors based on social norms.
Neuroimaging and diagnostic tests are used to rule out other conditions
Biologic factors
Genetics, infections, brain injury, toxin exposure, fetal development abnormalities
Psychologic factors
Stress, neglect, early loss of parent
Environmental factors
Dysfunctional family, cultural expectations, substance use
Diathesis (Genetics) Theory
Adverse childhood experiences (neglect and abuse) have been correlated to multiple mental health problems (alcoholism, substance abuse, eating disorders, anxiety) and physiologic change (inflammatory responses, metabolic disorders). Stress linked to mental illness.
Dementias
Multiple causes that result in progressive alterations in memory, cognition, and behavior
Delirium
Acute confusional state with abrupt onset. May be precipitated by illness, medications, uncontrolled pain. Treatment focuses on the underlying cause.
Normal cognitive aging
Slow progressive decline is normal
Older adults retain intellect and cognitive abilities, learning new information and processing speed may slow
Transmitters of CNS
Peripheral nervous system: Acetylcholine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine
Central nervous system (CNS):
At least 21 compounds
.Evidence supports a neurotransmitter role for dopamine, norepinephrine, serotonin, and enkephalins
The Blood–Brain Barrier
.Impedes entry of drugs into the brain
.Passage across the blood–brain barrier limited to lipid-soluble drugs
.Protein-bound or highly ionized drugs cannot cross
Decreased side effects of mental health drugs
When CNS drugs are taken chronically, the intensity of the side effects may decrease, but the therapeutic effects remain undiminished
True or False: Certain drugs used in psychiatry (such as antipsychotics or antidepressants) must be taken for several weeks before full therapeutic effects develop
True
True or False: Beneficial responses may be delayed because they result from adaptive changes and not from the direct effects of drugs on synaptic function
T
True or False: Full therapeutic effects are not seen until the CNS has had time to modify itself in response to prolonged drug exposure
T
