Neurobiology of Psychiatric Disorders Flashcards
What is the Appertitive system?
rewards system that assesses when something is pleasurable and mediates seeking behaviours
What structures in the brain are involved in the Appertitive system?
mesolimbic and mesocortical projections - dopamine systems
amygdala - conditioning/learning
orbitofrontal cortex - relative reward preference
anterior cingulate gyrus - attention/conflict/response selection
dorsal striatum - movement
What happens when the Appertitive system is altered?
depression
What is the Aversive system?
system to promote survivial in the event of threat, fear or pain
What is involved in the the Aversive system?
ascending serotonin systems Na/CRF/peptide transmitters central nucleus of the amygdala hippocampus ventroanterior and medial hypothalamus periaqueductal gray matter
What neurotransmitters are often deficient in depression?
serotonin dopamine noradrenaline GABA (chemical of pleasure, makes you relax) somatostatin brain derived neurotrophic factor
What neurotransmitters are often in excess in depression?
acetylcholine - leads to chronic inflammation
substance P
corticoid releasing hormone - released in response to stress
What happens to dopamine receptors in depression?
D1 receptor less active
D2/D3 have increased binding
What happens to serotonin receptors in depression?
decrease in receptor binding
Where can reductions in GABA be seen in depression?
CSF and plasma
What does an increased cortisol cause to the brain?
decreased brain size
What neurotransmitters are increased in mania?
noradrenaline and dopamine
What neurotransmitters are decreased in mania?
GABA
Where does serotonin originate?
rostral area of the midbrain and projects to many areas of the cortex
What does monoamine oxidase break serotonin down into?
5-HT –> 5-HIAA
