Neuropathologies Flashcards
What is neuropathology?
abnormality in the nervous system that interferes with normal daily life.
What is the DSM-5?
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition
- Diagnosed based on behaviorally observable symptoms, not physiology
What causes mental illness?
Combination of genes & environment
What are the symptoms of major depression?
Feelings of hopelessness, guilt, fatigue, poor
concentration, lost interest in pleasurable activities,
dysregulated sleep, etc
What are the symptoms of major depression?
Feelings of hopelessness, guilt, fatigue, poor
concentration, lost interest in pleasurable activities,
dysregulated sleep, etc
What happens to the brain structure during depression?
Brain structure changes: reduced gray matter thickness in several areas.
What brain region is hyperactive during depression?
Amygdala
What are the treatments for depression?
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs, Prozac,
Zoloft): block the transporter protein to increase
synaptic serotonin levels.
‣ SNRIs also block reuptake of norepinephrine.
‣ Ketamine: an anesthetic, that can cause ‘dissociative’
states. Blocks NMDA glutamate receptors, among other actions. Effective for quick relief of depression
What are the positive symptoms of schizophrenia?
Hallucinations (auditory & tactile), delusions, disordered thinking and speaking
What are the negative symptoms of schizophrenia?
anhedonia (loss of pleasure & motivation); asociality; flat affect, reduced speaking
What are the cognitive symptoms of schizophrenia?
deficits in attention, working memory, decision-making
What’s going on in the brain during schizophrenia?
Loss of tissue in the hippocampus, PFC; enlargement of lateral ventricles
Dopamine hypothesis: overactivity of dopamine binding to D2 receptors. One clue: too much amphetamines causes psychosis
What are treatment drugs for schizophrenia?
Effective antipsychotic drugs are D2
receptor antagonists: reduce the effects of
dopamine and alleviate positive symptoms
What are the symptoms of Parkinson’s Disorder?
Resting tremor (shaking when not performing a movement); rigidity, slow movements.
What is the underlying problem of Parkinson’s?
The problem is not with the muscles, nor spinal control of muscles. Patients can quickly move in an emergency, or following salient physical cues.
The problem lies between the will to move and the initiation of motor commands in the brain
Caused by the death of dopamine neurons in the substantia nigra that project to the striatum
