Neurodevelopmental Disorders- Week Nine Flashcards
What 3 syndromes are caused “purely” by genetics
Fragile X Syndrome- hereditary
Williams Syndrome
Downs Syndrome
What causes fragile X syndrome?
Is is hereditary
X- linked recessive disorder- meaning males are more likely to get it than females
Inhibits the FMR1 gene- which prevents receptor signalling
Physical symptoms of Fragile X Syndrome
Prominent ears
Hyper-extendable finger joints
Flat feet
Behavioural symptoms of Fragile X Syndrome
Poor eye contact
Hand- flapping
Defensiveness
Psychological symptoms of Fragile X Syndrome
Language delay
Motor delay
Intellectual deficits
What causes Williams syndrome
Is genetic, not heredity
Caused by a deletion of genes on chromosome 7
Essential for neuro development of connective tissue and synaptic plasticity
What are the physical symptoms of Williams syndrome
Elfin face: wide mouth, flattened nose, bulgy cheeks
Slow growth
Joint problems
What are the neuropathological issue of Williams syndrome
Thickening of the cortex- associated with psychological problems face by William’s syndrome
Reduced cortical volume and white matter- effects myelin sheath and speed of neurons
Reduced grey matter density
What are the neuropsychological characteristics of Williams syndrome
Emotionally immature Impaired visual-spatial skills Short concentration Hyperactivity- excessive talking and language skills Unusual response to sound
What causes Down’s Syndrome?
Genetic not hereditary
Extra chromosome 21
Leads to atypical brain development through biochemical changes
What are the physical symptoms of Down’s Syndromes
Round heads, low set ears, stubby hands
Eyes sight and oral problems
Heart and respiratory problems
What are the psychological symptoms of Down’s Syndromes
Cognitive and learning problems; information processing, attention, integration, STM
Slower language development
What is the neuropathology of Down’s Syndrome
Brain is 10% lighter
Frontal lobes are smaller
Reduced synaptic density
Reduced No of connections between neurons
What are the disorders caused by the environment
Foetal alcohol syndrome
Attachment disorders
How is foetal alcohol syndrome caused
Alcohol can cross the placenta during pregnancy
Safe level not known
Severity depends on how much and when the alcohol was consumed
What are the physical symptoms of foetal alcohol syndrome
Distinctive facial features, small head, low nose bridge, flat mid face, thin upper lip
Grow slowly, lower height and weight
What are the neuropathological and neuropsychological symptoms of F.A.S
Reduced brain volume
Reduced corpus callousness- hyperactivity
Reduced cerebellum- poor motor skills
Abnormal dendrites of hippocampus- learning difficulties
What are the differences between alcohol in the 1st trimester and the 3rd in F.A.S
1st trimester- abnormal migration and cortical organisation
3rd trimester- damages to the hippocampus
Reasons for insecure attachments
Seperation/changes in primary care-giver Trauma: neglect/abuse Maternal depression Maternal addiction Illness of child
Symptoms of insecure attachments
Low self esteem
Needy/clingy behaviour
Inability to deal with stress
Lack of self control, can lead to aggressive and anti-social behaviours
Implications for brain development from insecure attachments
Neural pathways for emotions are still developing
Brain is persistently hyper aroused and dissociative
The limbic system and hypothalamic formation are most effected
Name 2 disorders cause by both genetic and environmental factors
ADHD
Autism Spectrum Disorder
What are the symptoms of hyper-impulsive type ADHD
Restlessness
Inappropriate behaviour
Impulse control problem
What are the symptoms of inattentive type ADHD
Distractibility Failure in attention, careless mistakes Failure to follow instructions Lack of persistence Disorganisation
