Week 10 - mental disorders Flashcards
Symptoms for major depression
- Sad mood
- Loss of interest and pleasure
- Difficulties sleeping/excessive
- Shift in activity level - lethargic/agitated
- Poor appetite+weight loss/opposite
- Loss of energy
- Negative self-concept
- Difficulty in concentration
- Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide
Monoamines involved in depression (Monoamine hypothesis for depression) -
Serotonin + Norepinephrine
Which factors of depression can be explained by low level monoamines?
reduction in sleep, appetite, sex, motor activity.
Why are monoamines so affecting for these factors?
The hypothalamus controls sleep, appetite, sex and motor activity.
How do Tricyclics and SSRI’s work?
Prevent reuptake/reabsorption of seretonin and norepinephrine by presynaptic neuron. Fit into channels through which monoamines would be reabsorbed.
What does “tricyclic” refer to?
The chemical structure of the drug.
What are bicyclics?
SSRI’s.
Do most SSRI’s have fewer side effects than tricyclics?
Yes!
What do MAOI inhibitors do?
Inhibits the breakdown of neurotransmitter in the synapse.
What is the worst side effect of MAOIs?
Fatally high blood pressure when taken in combination with certain foods that contain tyramine (cheese, aged meats, wines, some beers, stimulants, tricyclics).
How many volts and for how long does ECT use?
70-150 volts for 0.1 - 1 second. Convulsion runs course for 45-60 seconds.
How effective is ECT?
About 70% of severely depressed patients.
How many people die from ECT?
1/1000.
What are other side effects?
Headaches and memory loss.
What results in too much monoamine neurotransmitter?
Mania.
What is the dysregulation hypothesis?
The amounts of neurotransmitters are either too high or too low due to poor regulation.
How does lithium work for bipolar?
Works by moderating the level of norepinephrine.
What are side effects of lithium?
Problems with concentration, thirst, poor motor coordination, mucsle tremors and dizziness.
What do you need to do while taking lithium?
constantly monitor blood levels are high amounts are blood are poisonous.
What are the positive symptoms of schizophrenia?
- Delusions or unfounded beliefs
- auditory hallucinations
- thought disorders (eg. difficulty understanding and using abstract concepts)
What are the negative symptoms of schizophrenia?
- Poverty of speech (incoherent thoughts)
- Limited emotional expression
- Anedonia - inability to experience pleasure
Common delusion of schizophrenia?
Delusion of persecution - thinking someone is spying on them and wants to hurt them.