Module 3: Alcohol, recreational drugs and mental health Flashcards
The nervous system
Body’s control and communication system; consists of brain, spinal cord, sensory organs and nerves
Two main systems of nervous system
- Central NS: brain and spinal cord
- Peripheral NS: nerve fibres outside of CNS
Neurons
Functional unit of the brain capable of generating and transmitting electrical signals (neurotransmission)
Dendrites
Projections of a neuron that recieve signals from other neurons
Axon
Conducts electrical impulses away from cell body towards next cell (AP)
Myelin sheath
Layer of insulation around axon to increase rate of transmission along the axon
Synapse
Area that electrical impulse is transferred from one neuron to the dendrites of a second neuron
What cognitive abilities is the frontal lobe responsible for?
oPlanning
oGoal-directed behaviour
oDecision making
oComplex problem solving
oCognitive control (suppressing impulses that may lead to neg consequences)
Grey matter
Within cortex of brain (outermost region of cerebellum); contains neuronal cell bodies and synapses
White matter
Under cortex within cerebrum (larger upper art of brain); contains myelinated axons
How does brain matter change as we age?
The amount of grey matter in the brain decreases with age and the amount of white matter increases
Changes in the brain during early adulthood
- Increased synaptic pruning
- Increased myelination
- Improved connectivity btwn diff brain regions
Synaptic pruning
Process where extra neurons and synaptic connections are eliminated to increase the efficiency of neuronal transmission
What does improved connectivity btwn brain regions result in?
Larger and more widely distributed neural networks which is critical for a variety of higher levels functions such as learning new complex info, integrating new learning and applying it (ie. In an essay, debate, exam)
Substance use
Use of a psychoactive substance (a substance that affects brain function such as alcohol, caffeine or illicit drugs)
Substance misuse
Use of psychoactive substance in a way that causes concern or elevates the risk of reduced well-being and poor mental health
Examples of substance misuse
oRegular or excess use, or use when one should be in class, studying or working
oUse of medication for a purpose other than prescribed
oUsing a medication in a higher dose or frequency than prescribed
oBinge drinking or drinking
Substance use disorder
Clinically significant abuse or dependency which includes psychological (impaired control) and physiological (withdrawal and tolerance) aspects of addiction
Substance use disorder criteria
Using a substance despite…
- worsening physical health
- failure to meet responsibilities
- associated losses
- problems in relationships
Substance use disorder criteria
oWorsening physical health and/or mental health
oFailure to meet responsibilities
oAssociated losses
oProblems in relationships
Effects of substance use on the developing brain
- mental health concerns and disorders
- cognition
- attention
- learning
- motivation
Mental health concerns of substance use
- poor sleep
- anxiety
- depression
- psychosis
Psychosis
A condition that affects the way your brain processes information; causes you to lose touch with reality
Substance use: alcohol
Acts on the CNS and functions as a depressant (slows down neural processes and communication)
Causes disinhibition
Effects of disinhibition caused by alcohol
Disruptions in normal decision making, slowing of thinking and responding and trouble w mental coordination
Binge drinking
Consumption of an excess of alcohol; 5+ drinks for men, 4+ drinks for women
Negative outcomes of binge drinking
oRisk of physical harm
oBlackouts or forgetting what happened
oHangovers
oPoor academic performance
Blackout
Temporary condition that affects your memory and is characterized by a sense of lost time
Short term effects of alcohol
An initial drink can have a perking up effect which reduces anxiety and causes mild disinhibition, however after 1-2 drinks, alcohol will slow brain activity leading to slurred speech, unsteady balance, slowed physical and mental reaction time, confusion and poor judgement
How much alcohol can your liver metabolize per hour?
1 ounce
Biological and neurocognitive effects of alcohol
Affects the dopaminergic system and the Gamma-aminobutyric (GABA) and glutamate systems
Dopaminergic system
Pathway in CNS involving dopamine
-controls voluntary movement
- reward system
- motivation
- working memory
- regulation of emotion
GABA and glutamate systems
Major neurotransmitters of the brain, inhibitory GABA and excitatory glutamate work together to control the brain’s overall level of excitation
What other effects is alcohol associated with?
Poor quality of sleep, nausea, irritated stomach, diarrhea, dehydration/increased urination and heart palpitations