PSY313 UNIT 2 LECTURE 2 Flashcards
Definition of mental health according to the Public Health Agency of Canada.
The capacity of each of us to feel, think, and act in ways that enhance our ability to enjoy life and deal with challenges. It includes emotional and spiritual well-being, respecting culture, equity, social justice, interconnections, and personal dignity.
What does it mean that mental health is “not just about experiencing mental distress”?
Mental health involves the ability to enjoy life, acknowledge cultural experiences, meet cultural expectations, and live with dignity while interacting with others.
What qualifies as a psychological disorder?
Range of behaviors and experiences that fall outside of social norms and create difficulty for the individual on a daily basis, and put the individual or others at risk of harm.
How has the perception of homosexuality changed in psychology?
Once labeled a disorder in the DSM, it’s now recognized as a normal variation of human sexuality due to evolving cultural and medical views
What are the key differences between DSM and ICD
DSM: More detailed, for psychological issues, used mostly in North America. ICD: Broader, includes all health conditions, used worldwide.
Who can diagnose using DSM-5?
Only trained psychologists.
How does mental health change with age?
Generally improves, but dementia, a neurocognitive disorder, may increase.
Why might older adults have fewer psychological disorders?
Possible reasons include shorter lifespans for those with early diagnosed disorders and a cohort effect where older generations, stigmatized about mental health, underreport issues.
Example of stigma affecting mental health treatment.
A woman with postpartum depression quickly diagnosed and treated, contrasting with older relatives concerned about the stigma of mental health diagnoses, advising secrecy.
Why might some psychological disorders go undiagnosed in older adults?
Older adults’ symptoms may differ from those in younger people, and they often see family doctors who may lack specific training in mental health and geriatrics.
What healthcare challenges do older adults face in Canada regarding mental health?
Many don’t have private health care, and while psychological counseling is covered by general plans, long waitlists can delay treatment.
What is the most common symptom of Major Depressive Disorder?
Dysphoria, which must be significantly lower than the individual’s usual mood, present most of the time, and last for at least 2 weeks.
What are other common symptoms associated with Major Depressive Disorder?
Changes in appetite, sleep patterns, feelings of guilt, reduced self-esteem, and reduced focus.
How does the prevalence of depression change with age?
Depression is more common in younger adults, with a lifetime prevalence of 17%, but the rate drops in those over 60.
How do gender differences in depression change with age?
While young women are more likely to experience depression than young men, this difference diminishes in older age, possibly due to hormonal changes.
Why might depression in older adults be underdiagnosed?
Older adults often report physical rather than emotional symptoms, like loss of appetite or body pains, which can be mistaken for typical aging or physical illnesses
What is a significant risk among older adults with depression?
Suicide rates are highest among older adults worldwide, often linked to co-occurring physical disorders.
What are common treatments for depression in older adults?
SSRI medications, which should be started at low doses, and CBT, which may require more sessions but is just as effective as in younger adults.
How do treatment side effects differ in older adults?
Tricyclic antidepressants may cause more side effects, particularly adverse interactions with blood pressure medications.
Why was the classification “dementia” replaced with “neurocognitive disorders” in the DSM-5?
The term “dementia” suggests a memory disorder, but not all neurocognitive disorders involve memory impairment. The new classification better captures the broader spectrum of cognitive and behavioral issues that may not include memory problems.
What does the term “dementia” imply and why is it still used?
“Dementia” implies a disorder primarily experienced by older adults and traditionally focused on memory loss. Despite the DSM-5’s update, it remains a common term in medical settings
What characterizes neurocognitive disorders?
A group of disorders marked by cognitive and behavioral decline, always involving some form of brain damage, and generally worsening over time.
What are the different classifications within neurocognitive disorders in the DSM-5?
Disorders can be major or minor (severity), progressive or nonprogressive (whether symptoms worsen), and primary or secondary (whether it’s the main problem or a symptom of another condition).
Example of a progressive major neurocognitive disorder.
Alzheimer’s disease, which worsens over time and significantly impacts cognitive functions.
Example of a neurocognitive disorder where cognitive decline is considered secondary
Huntington’s disease, where the main concern is motor function, but cognitive decline occurs as the disease progresses.
Is dementia an inevitable part of aging?
No, dementia is not inevitable with aging. It has a prevalence rate of about 7% among Canadian seniors, mostly affecting those in low or middle-income countries.
What is delirium and who is most at risk?
Delirium is a type of neurocognitive disorder characterized by acute onset and severe confusion, affecting individuals of any age but more common among older adults due to risk factors rather than age itself.
How does delirium differ from other neurocognitive disorders?
Delirium is marked by an acute onset and severe confusion, including personality changes and potential brain damage, distinguishing it from other more gradual neurocognitive disorders.
Why is it crucial to diagnose delirium promptly?
Early diagnosis is vital to treat the underlying cause of delirium, such as infections or dehydration, to prevent permanent brain damage.
What are common causes of delirium, especially in older adults?
Causes include brain infections, dehydration, head injuries, medication interactions or overdoses (polypharmacy), and vitamin deficiencies, often exacerbated by other underlying neurocognitive disorders.
Can delirium occur in individuals without pre-existing neurocognitive disorders?
Yes, while it’s more common in those with conditions like Alzheimer’s, delirium can affect anyone, particularly if they are exposed to its risk factors like dehydration or medication issues.
What is Alzheimer’s Disease commonly associated with?
Alzheimer’s Disease is the most common cause of dementia and is primarily known as an age-related disease, with the likelihood of developing it increasing with age.
What is a common misconception about people with Alzheimer’s Disease?
Many believe that individuals with Alzheimer’s are incompetent and lose their independence immediately, which is not necessarily true as the disease progresses gradually.
How is Alzheimer’s Disease diagnosed?
It is diagnosed through a process of exclusion by ruling out other conditions, and it must involve memory impairment along with at least two other cognitive symptoms.
What are the financial implications of Alzheimer’s Disease in Canada?
Treating and caring for individuals with Alzheimer’s is extremely expensive, largely shouldered by families and friends, not covered by government, costing between 10 to 20 billion dollars.
How has Alzheimer’s diagnostic criteria evolved?
In 2009, the NIA and Alzheimer’s Association proposed revisions including the use of biomarkers for preclinical diagnosis before behavioral symptoms appear, aiming for early detection.
What is Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) in relation to Alzheimer’s
MCI involves mild changes in cognition and behavior and is often a precursor to Alzheimer’s, though not all cases of MCI progress to Alzheimer’s.
Why is Alzheimer’s often underdiagnosed in Canada?
Limited access to neuroimaging technology necessary for definitive diagnosis leads to many being diagnosed with “probable AD” rather than a confirmed case.
What are the stages of Alzheimer’s progression post-diagnosis?
: Alzheimer’s progresses through three main stages: early stage (word-finding difficulties and mild anterograde amnesia), intermediate stage (severe memory loss, language and motor difficulties), and late stage (severe memory and motor function decline, potential loss of language).
What are anterograde and retrograde amnesia
Anterograde amnesia is the inability to form new memories, while retrograde amnesia involves the loss of existing memories, both episodic (events and experiences) and semantic (facts and knowledge).
What are the pathological markers of Alzheimer’s Disease?
Beta-amyloid plaques, which are protein deposits that the body cannot dispose of, and neurofibrillary tangles, where microtubules in axons degenerate causing tangled axons that cannot transmit information effectively
Is the presence of plaques and tangles definitive for Alzheimer’s diagnosis?
No, while plaques and tangles are commonly present in Alzheimer’s patients, their presence alone does not confirm AD; they could be a symptom or a cause of the disease. Studies like the Nun Study show individuals with AD pathology but no cognitive symptoms.
What genetic factors are associated with Alzheimer’s Disease?
Early-onset AD is often linked to a specific rare gene and is typically familial. Late-onset AD involves several genes, with the APOE-4 variant increasing risk by 25%, while the APOE-2 variant is protective.
What is the overall understanding of Alzheimer’s Disease causes?
The exact cause of Alzheimer’s is unknown, but it involves a combination of genetic components and potentially environmental factors. Research continues to explore these relationships.
What is the relationship between high blood glucose and Alzheimer’s Disease?
High blood glucose, as seen in diabetes, is linked to late-onset Alzheimer’s Disease. Hyperglycemia increases amyloid plaque development, which in turn may increase insulin resistance and AD symptoms.
How does a low-cholesterol diet relate to Alzheimer’s risk?
Low-cholesterol diets, which are good for heart health, are also considered protective against Alzheimer’s, potentially due to reduced plaque and tangle formation in the brain.
What impact do intellectually challenging activities have on Alzheimer’s?
Lifelong involvement in intellectually challenging activities is associated with lower rates of cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s, as demonstrated by studies like the Nun Study.
What role does stress play in Alzheimer’s risk?
Chronic stress is a risk factor for Alzheimer’s, possibly exacerbating the development of symptoms and disease progression.
What are current treatment options for Alzheimer’s?
Most Alzheimer’s drugs are cholinesterase inhibitors that slow symptom progression. Recently, a new drug that reduces amyloid plaques showed promise but is not widely approved due to its invasive administration and mixed results.
What is reminiscence therapy and its benefits for Alzheimer’s patients?
Reminiscence therapy involves discussing past experiences to help maintain personal identity and improve emotional stability and quality of life in Alzheimer’s patients
