Quiz #1: Biological Basis For Psychiatric Disorders And Psychopharmacology Flashcards

1
Q

The brain matures from

A

Front to back

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2
Q

The Brain

A
  • Trillions of cells that form highly specific structures and communication pathways.
  • For the purpose of adaptation; changes occur in order to adapt to function
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3
Q

What are the characteristics that can be influential to understanding?

A
  1. Neuroplasticity
  2. Synaptic Pruning
  3. Many factors: chemical changes and balances that work hand in hand with CNS that come with any change of behavior or emotional state. Focus on that part of the anatomy.
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4
Q

Neuroplasticity

A

Ability of the brain to change structurally and functionally in response to input from the environment (How those cells communicate in order to respond)

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5
Q

Synaptic Pruning

A
  • Refining by eliminating unneeded circuits and strengthening others to have a brain that accommodates. Includes Genetic Potential and Environmental Influence.
  • Communicating with each other allows to create certain emotions and behaviors to adapt.
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6
Q

Structures of Brain and Function: Frontal Lobe

A
  • Learning
  • Abstracting
  • Reasoning
  • Inhibiting
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7
Q

Structure of Brain/Function: Parietal Lobe

A

-Someaesthetic and motor discrimination

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8
Q

Structure of the Brain/Function: Temporal Lobe

A

Discrimination of sounds; verbal and speech behavior

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9
Q

Structure of Brain/Function: Occipital Lobe

A

Visual discrimination and some aspects of visual memory

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10
Q

Structure of Brain/Function: Brainstem - Medulla

A
  • Breathing
  • BP
  • Other vital functions
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11
Q

Structure of Brain/Function: Brainstem - reticular formation

A
  • Arousal reactions

- Information screening

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12
Q

Structure of Brain/Function: Cerebellum

A
  • Fine motor coordination
  • Posture
  • Balance
  • Integration of emotional processes
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13
Q

Structure of Brain/Function: Corpus Callosum

A

-Communication between the brain’s right and left hemispheres

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14
Q

Structure of Brain/Function: Thalamus

A
  • Major relay station for messages from all parts of the body
  • Important in sensation of pain
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15
Q

Structure of Brain/Function: Pituitary

A

-Regulation of endocrine system

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16
Q

Structures that control cognitive, behavioral and emotional functions include

A
  • Cerebral Cortex
  • Basal Ganglia
  • Hypothalamus
  • Substantial Nigra
  • Raphe nuclei
  • Locus ceruleus
  • Limbic System
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17
Q

The cerebral cortex is responsible for

A
  • Decision making

- Higher-order thinking/abstract reasoning

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18
Q

The basal ganglia is responsible for

A

-Coordinates involuntary movements and muscle tone

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19
Q

The hypothalamus is responsible for

A
  • Regulating pituitary hormones
  • Temperature
  • Behaviors such as eating, drinking and sex drive
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20
Q

The substantia nigra is responsible for

A

Making dopamine (a neurotransmitter involved in complex movements, thinking and emotions)

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21
Q

The raphe nuclei is responsible for

A

Making serotonin (a neurotransmitter involved in body’s response to stress)

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22
Q

The locus ceruleus is responsible for

A

Making norepinephrine (a neurotransmitter involved in the body’s response to stress)

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23
Q

The limbic system is responsible for

A

Regulating emotional behavior, memory and learning

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24
Q

Neurotransmitters

A

Chemical messengers responsible for impulse communication among neurons.

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25
Q

What is neurotransmission?

A

The process by which neurons communicate in the brain through electrical impulses and chemical messengers.

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26
Q

How does neurotransmission work?

A
  • Like a key inserted into a lock, chemicals fit precisely into specific receptor cells.
  • Receptor cells open or close doors (ion channels) into cells allowing interchange of chemicals or ions (i.e Na+, K+, Ca+)
  • Depolarization changes the cell’s electrical charge
  • Absence or excess can play major role in brain decrease and behavioral disorders.
  • Single neurotransmitter can affect other brain chemicals and several different subtypes of receptor cells in different brain regions.
  • Neurotransmitters can have different effects in different brain parts.
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27
Q

Explain the Physiology of Neurotransmitters

A
  1. Manufactured in the neurons
  2. Released from axon
  3. Moves into synapse
  4. Received by dendrite
  5. Exchange of ions causes impulse/reaction
  6. Receptor channel closes
  7. Neurotransmitter returns to presynaptic membrane (reuptake)
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28
Q

What are common neurotransmitters?

A
  • Norepinephrine
  • Dopamine
  • Serotonin
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29
Q

Norepinephrine

A
  • Plays a role in affective and anxiety disorders

- Fluctuates with sleep and wakefulness

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30
Q

Dopamine

A
  • Involved in control of complex movements, motivation and cognition and in regulating emotional responses.
  • Many drugs of abuse (cocaine, amphetamines) cause DA release
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31
Q

Dopamine is involved in what disorders

A
  • Movement disorders seen in Parkinson’s disease

- Deficits seen in schizophrenia/psychosis (increase in dopamine with schizophrenia and psychosis)

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32
Q

Functions of Serotonin (5-HT)

A
  • Fluctuates with sleep and wakefulness
  • Plays a role in arousal and modulates activity of CNS, particularly in sleep onset.
  • Plays a role in mood and probably in delusions, hallucinations and withdrawal symptoms of schizophrenia (decrease in serotonin with depression)
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33
Q

Other Neurotransmitters (Amino Acids) include

A
  • Glutamate

- Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)

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34
Q

Glutamate

A
  • Implicated in Schizophrenia
  • Receptors control the opening of ion channels that allow calcium (essential to neurotransmission) to pass into nerve cells, propagating neuronal electrical impulses
  • This receptor is blocked by drugs that cause schizophrenic like symptoms.
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35
Q

Drugs that increase Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) function such as benzodiazepines are used to

A

Treat anxiety and epilepsy and to induce sleep.

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36
Q

GABA and anxiety

A

There is a decrease in GABA with anxiety

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37
Q

Other Neurotransmitters: Endorphins, enkephalins, dynorphins, and endomorphins

A

The opiates morphine and heroine bind to these endogenous opioid receptors on presynaptic neurons, blocking the release of neurotransmitters and thus reducing pain.

38
Q

Other neurotransmitters: Melatonin

A
  • Is a monoamine, just like NE, DA, and 5-HT (serotonin)

- Induces pigment-lightening effects on skin cells and regulars reproductive and immune function.

39
Q

Psychotherapy/Medications

A
  • Both psychotherapy and medications may have a similar mechanism of action - neural plasticity
  • That is the modification of a person’s brain structure - which then results in a change in behavior or symptoms.
  • Many lack specificity and thus have undesired changes (side effects)
40
Q

Circadian Rhythms

A

Resembles a network of internal clocks that coordinates events in the body to a 24-hour cycle.

41
Q

Characteristics of Circadian Rhythms

A
  • Body fluids and tissues function according to these rhythms
  • Physical and mental abilities and moods may vary widely from one time of day to another
  • To run on a 24-hour clock, circadian rhythms must have cues from external environment.
  • Sunlight resets clock each day and synchronizes complex set of body rhythms (e.g hormonal messages to organs, thoughts and body functions)
42
Q

Sleep

A
  • 6-9 hours for usual adult sleep.

- Related to circadian rhythm, changes in light and darkness, and temperature changes.

43
Q

Stages of Sleep

A

Cycles about 4-5 times in a good nights sleep
Stage 1: Falling asleep - drowsiness (5-10 minutes)
Stage 2: Light sleep - muscles tense and relax preparing to enter deep sleep (about 50% of the time)
Stage 3/4: Deep sleep (Delta sleep) -renews and rests the body
Stage 5: Rapid Eye Movement (REM) - increase in heart rate and erratic breathing; muscles tense and relax; dreaming

44
Q

Human emotions and behaviors are partly governed by a variety of genes and their interplay with:

A
  • Environment
  • Personality
  • Life experiences
45
Q

Use of genetic psychiatry allows for

A
  • Development of new medications
  • Conduction of gene therapy
  • Implementation of studies
46
Q

What is Pharmacogenetics?

A

-Blends pharmacology with genomic capabilities.

47
Q

Pharmacogenetics can allow

A
  • Will eventually allow researchers to match DNA variants with individual responses to medical treatments.
  • Will allow for design of custom drugs based on individual genetic profiles
  • Targeting drugs to specific patients may allow the patient to avoid unwanted side effects.
48
Q

Biological Assessment: Need to apply new information and apply holistic approach

A
  • Symptoms of psychiatric versus neurologic or physical illness may overlap
  • Complete history is needed
  • Nurse should be able to perform basic physical examination
49
Q

Screening or both undiagnosed physical and psychiatric disorders includes:

A
  • Assessment of presenting symptoms
  • Treatment selection
  • Possible need for referral to specialist in another discipline
50
Q

Biological Assessment: Healthcare History includes

A
  • General Health care
  • Treatments
  • Brain Impairment
  • Cancer
  • Lung and cardiac problems
  • Diabetes or other endocrine disturbances
  • Menstrual, sexual and reproductive histories
51
Q

Biological Assessment: Lifestyle assessment includes

A
  • Diet
  • Medications and other remedies
  • Substance use
  • Toxins
  • Occupation
  • Injuries, abuse
52
Q

Nursing Assessment?

A
  • Assess appearance, gait, coordination, bilateral strength and speech
  • Document baseline symptoms so changes may be recognized
  • Obtain patient’s permission to access other people and documents to help health care team gain information, including current medications
  • Note inconsistencies in patient’s account, from others and health care records
  • Be alert for history and indications of head trauma: accidents, fevers, surgery and seizures
53
Q

Nursing Assessment: Symptoms

A
  • Tremors and tics
  • Headaches
  • Blurred vision
  • Dizziness
  • Vomiting
  • Motor weakness
  • Disorientation
  • Confusion
  • Memory problems
54
Q

Sedatives/Benzodiazepines: MOA

A

Binds to GABA receptors

55
Q

Sedatives/Benzodiazepines: What do these drugs treat?

A
  • Panic
  • Anxiety
  • Alcohol Withdrawal (Librium)
  • Muscle spasm (Valium)
  • Insomnia (Lunesta)
56
Q

Benzodiazepines include

A

“PAM”

  • Klonopin (clonazepam)
  • Ativan (lorazepam)
  • Valium (diazepam)
  • Librium (chlordiazepoxide)
57
Q

Sedatives include

A
  • Ambien (Zolpidem)
  • Lunesta - Insomnia or sleeping aids (Eszopiclone)
  • Sonata (Zaleplon)
58
Q

SSRI’s: MOA

A

Modulates/balances serotonin and sleep

59
Q

SSRI’s are used to treat

A

Depression

60
Q

SSRI’s include

A
  • Lexapro
  • Luvox
  • Paxil (Luvox/Paxil are good for antianxiety and OCD)
  • Prozac
  • Trazodone
  • Zoloft
  • Celexa
61
Q

Trazodone

A
  • Prescribed for insomnia not narcotic

- SE: Sedation

62
Q

SNRI’s Selective Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors: MOA

A

Modulates both serotonin and NE

63
Q

SNRI’s include

A
  • Desipramine
  • Imipramine
  • Nortriptyline
  • Amitryptline
64
Q

MOAI’s include

A

Serotonin, Dopamine, Epi and NE

65
Q

MOAI’s: MOA

A

Inhibits the action of MOA from breaking down these neurotransmitters

66
Q

MOAI’s: Contraindications

A
  • Tyramine containing foods such as aged cheese and wine; cough syrups.
  • Leads to hypertensive crisis
67
Q

MOAI Drugs include

A
  • Marplan
  • Nardil
  • Parnate
68
Q

Mood stabilizers

A

Balances out neurotransmitters so patient doesn’t have extremes of mood -> deep depression or high mania -> modulating reaction of receptor site to the neurotransmitter.

69
Q

Lithium

A
  • Gold standard for bipolar disorder.
  • MOA is unknown.

-Therapeutic Window: 0.7-1.5

70
Q

What is needed prior to lithium treatment?

A
  • Renal clearance prior to initiation of treatment (BUN/Creat)
  • Baseline TSH
  • Normal Na and hydration (because lithium has a special affinity for sodium and fluid/water)
71
Q

Therapeutic Window for Lithium is

A

0.7-1.5

72
Q

What should you monitor for in patients taking lithium?

A

Monitor for toxicity:

  • Tremor
  • Polyuria, polydipsia
  • Diarrhea
  • Weight gain
  • Vomiting
  • CNS (sedation, cognitive impairment, impaired coordination, blurred vision)
  • Dry mouth
73
Q

Valproate (Depakote)

A
  • MOA is unclear

- Treatment for bipolar disorder, bipolar mixed episode

74
Q

Valproate (Depakote) Therapeutic Level

A

50-100

75
Q

What do you need to monitor for in patients taking valproate?

A
  • Mood
  • Tremor
  • Thrombocytopenia (CBC)
  • Pancreatitis
  • Hepatic failure (liver function tests)
76
Q

Carbamazepine (Tegretol)

A

Treats bipolar disorder

77
Q

Carbamazepine (Tegretol) MOA

A

Decreases Na+ channel firing

78
Q

Carbamazepine (Tegretol) Therapeutic Level

A

4-12

79
Q

Common side effects of carbamazepine (Tegretol)

A
  • Anticholinergic
  • Orthostatic hypotension
  • Sedation
  • Ataxia
  • Rash (Stevens Johnsons Syndrome)
80
Q

Lamictal

A
  • Maintenance therapy for bipolar disorder.
  • Also anti-seizure.
  • Slow taper upwards
  • Potential for Stevens Johnson Syndrome. (Report rash immediately)
81
Q

What drugs are used to treat bipolar disorders?

A
  • Lithium
  • Valproate
  • Carbamazepine
  • Lamictal
82
Q

Antipsychotic Medications: MOA

A

Block D2 and reduces dopamine transmission
(Overexcitement of the receptor of neurotransmitter creates the hallucinations and contact with reality. Dopamine, one of the NT and receptors with a special affinity to dopa. Overexcitement of the dopamine receptor -> hallucinations and delusions)

83
Q

First Generation Antipsychotics: High Potency

A
  • Haldol and Prolxin

- Increased Extrapyramidal symptoms and tardive dyskinesia

84
Q

First Generation Antipsychotics: Low Potency

A
  • Less Incidence of EPS
  • Increased sedation
  • Tachycardia
  • Anticholinergic side effects (Thorazine)
85
Q

Extrapyramidal Symptoms include

A
  • Dystonia
  • Akathesia - motor restlessness
  • Parkinsonism
  • Tardive Dyskinesia
86
Q

Dystonia

A

Continuous spasm and muscle contraction of the neck, back, extremities, eyes, jaw and tongue

87
Q

Parkinsonism Symptoms

A
  • Rigidity
  • Tremor
  • Mask face
  • Shuffling gait
  • Stoop posture
88
Q

Tardive Dyskinesia

A

Irregular jerky movement

89
Q

Atypical Antipsychotics

A

Approved for Schizophrenia and Bipolar Disorder

90
Q

Types of Atypical Antipsychotics include

A
-Abilifiy (Aripiprazole)
“PINE”:
-Clozaril (clozapine) *make sure to monitor blood work!
-Seroquel (Quetiapine)
-Zyprexa (Olanzapine)
“DONE”:
-Risperdal (Risperdone)
-Geodon (Ziprasidone)
-Inevga (Paliperidone)