Week 13 Flashcards
uncontrolled electrical disturbances in the brain correlated with changes in consciousness
seizure
repetitive unprovoked seizures
epilepsy
flashing lights of specific intensity and frequency (3-30 Hz) often found on TV or in videogames causing repetative and uncontrolled seizures
photosensitive epilepsy
focal onset seizure, originates in an identifiable part of the brain
partial seizure
a type of seizure where the person remains conscious
simple partial seizure
a type of seizure where the person loses consciousness
complex partial seizure
tonic-clonic seizure with unconsciousness, no clear point of origin
generalized seizure
inflammation of the brain after viral infection
encephalitis
inflammation of membranes that cover and protect the brain and nervous system (meninges). produces flu-like symptoms, defined by neck stiffness, aversion to bright lights, and drowsiness.
meningitis
a type of encephalitis that occurs when a virus directly invades the CNS
primary encephalitis
a type of encephalitis that occurs following a viral infection of other parts of the body- e.g., herpes simplex virus
secondary encephalitis
set of symptoms and infections derived from the human immunodeficiency virus. Invades macrophages, microglia, and astrocytes as well as endothelial cells that line the blood vessels. Infected cells release cytokines, which induce apoptosis in neighboring neurons.
acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS)
a group of progressive conditions (encephalopathies) that affect the CNS of many animals, including humans
transmissible spongiform encephalopathies
a disease that produces psychological disturbances, including paranoia, anxiety and depression, and a progressive loss of cognitive and motor function, and finally death.
mad-cow disease/ bovine spongiform encephalopathy
a pattern of behavior or psychological symptoms that impact multiple life areas and/or create distress for the person experiencing these symptoms
psychological disorder
Aka “split mind.” disturbances in reason, emotion, perception, and social relationships. Also characterized by a loss of contact with reality and an inability to function in daily life.
Schizophrenia
Drugs that increase dopamine produce positive symptoms even in people without the disorder. Drugs that reduce dopamine (typical neuroleptics) reduce positive symptoms.
The Dopamine Hypothesis
PCP and ketamine (NMDAR antagonists) produce symptoms similar to schizophrenia. Therefore, schizophrenia may be related to the reduced activity of glutamatergic receptors.
The Glutamate Hypothesis
Moods are altered in a way that affects daily life. More profound that “feeling blue” or “feeling hyper.” Long-lasting, consistent, and interferes with daily life.
mood disorders
Known as the “common cold” of mental disorders and affects 1 in 5 Americans at some point in their lives. Characterized by loss of pleasure in normally enjoyable activities, sleep disturbances, eating alteration, lack of energy or restlessness, difficulty concentrating, etc.
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)
women who were in their 3rd trimester during this famine had children that were later hospitalized for schizophrenia and major mood disorders
Dutch Hunger Winter
Includes serotonin, norepinephrine, epinephrine, and dopamine
monoamines
Depression is associated with reduced activity in monoaminergic systems. Antidepressant drugs all increase monoamine activity
Monoamine theory
Includes monoamine oxidase inhibitors, tricyclic antidepressants, and SSRIs
Medicinal treatments for depression
a treatment that is usually reserved for patients who do not respond to medication and involves applying 70 to 130 volts of electricity to the head of an anesthetized patient, to produce seizures and convulsions.
electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)
