Adolescence Flashcards Preview

Psychological Medicine Block (Unsorted) > Adolescence > Flashcards

Flashcards in Adolescence Deck (11)
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1
Q

What changes do we look at in adolescence?

A

Neurological changes

2
Q

Describe the dopamine reward system.

A

Dopamine is released in response to an award.

Dopamine is involved in something that makes you feel good.

3
Q

What behaviours involve dopamine?

A

Usually risk taking behaviours - nicotine, alcohol, drug behaviour

4
Q

Describe the dopamine level in adolescence.

A

Baseline is lower

Release level is raised

5
Q

Describe the concepts of pruning and myelination in the brain.

A

Brain becomes more specialized and integrated

6
Q

Which parts of the brain does pruning and myelination occur?

A

Limbic system

Frontal cortex

7
Q

Describe the limbic system.

A
Emotion 
- Limbic system more active in adolescent 
- Amygdala and fear processing 
Motivation 
- Intensification of goal directed behaviour 
Evaluation 
- "Hyper-rational thinking" 
- Pros outweigh the cons
8
Q

Which system matures at a faster rate?

A

Limbic system

9
Q

List the three functions of the limbic system.

A

Emotion
Motivation
Evaluation

10
Q

What is the function of the pre-frontal cortex?

A
Executive skills - impulse control 
Planning for the future 
Task initiation and management 
Judgement 
Abstract thought 
Insight 
Empathy
11
Q

List the behavioural changes that occur in adolescence.

A
Increased risk taking 
Greater emotional reactivity 
Increased sensation seeking 
Challenging the status quo 
Innovation & experimentation 
Move from parent to peer affiliation