Chapter 2 Neurobiologic Theories & Psychopharmacology Flashcards
(52 cards)
Psychopharmacology
The use of meds to treat mental illness
What does the brain consist of?
Cerebrum
Cerebellum
Brain stem
Limbic System
Cerebrum
Divided in 2 hemispheres
- All lobes & structures are in both hemispheres expect pineal gland
Further divided into 4 lobes: frontal, parietal, temporal, & occipital
Pineal Gland
An endocrine gland that influences the activities of the pituitary gland, islets of Langerhans, parathyroids, adrenals, & gonads
Corpus Callosum
A pathway connecting the LT & RT hemispheres & coordinating their functions
What is the LT hemisphere responsible for?
Controls the RT side of the body & Center for logical reasoning & analytical functions
- Reading
- Writing
- Mathematical tasks
What is the RT hemisphere responsible for?
Controls the LT side of the body & Center for:
- Creative thinking
- Intuition
- Artistic abilities
Frontal Lobe
Controls the organization of thought, body movement, memories, emotions, and moral behavior
Integration of all this information regulates arousal, focuses attention, and enables problem-solving and decision-making
Abnormalities in the Frontal Lobe are Associated w/:
- Schizophrenia
- Attention-deficit/hyperactive disorder (ADHD)
- Dementia
Parietal Lobe
Interpret sensations of taste and touch and assist in spatial orientation
Temporal Lobe
Centers for the senses of smell and hearing and for memory and emotional expression
Occipital Lobe
Assist in coordinating language generation and visual interpretation, such as depth perception
Cerebellum
Located below the cerebrum
Center for coordination of movements and postural adjustments
Receives & integrates info from all areas of the body, such as the muscles, joints, organs, and other components of the CNS
Inhibited transmission of dopamine to this area-> Parkinson’s disease, dementia (lack of smooth coordinated mvmnts)
Brain Stem
Includes the midbrain, pons, and medulla oblongata and the nuclei for cranial nerves III through XII.
Medulla: Located at the top of the spinal cord
- Contains vital centers for respiration and cardiovascular functions.
Pons: Above the medulla and in front of the cerebrum
- Bridges the gap both structurally and functionally, serving as a primary motor pathway
Midbrain: Connects the pons and cerebellum with the cerebrum
- Measures only 0.8 in (2 cm) length and includes most of the reticular activating system and the extrapyramidal system.
The reticular activating system influences motor activity, sleep, consciousness, and awareness. The extrapyramidal system relays information about movement and coordination from the brain to the spinal nerves.
The locus coeruleus, a small group of norepinephrine-producing neurons in the brain stem, is associated with stress, anxiety, and impulsive behavior
Limbic System
An area of the brain located above the brain stem that includes the thalamus, hypothalamus, hippocampus, and amygdala
Hippocampus & amygdala are involved in emotional arousal & memory
Disturbances in the limbic system are implicated in mental illnesses:
- Memory loss w/dementia
- Poorly controlled emotions & impulses seen w/ psychotic & manic disorder
Thalamus
Regulates activity, sensation, & emotion
Hypothalamus
Involved in:
- Temperature regulation
- Appetite control
- Endocrine function
- Sexual drive
- Impulsive behavior associated w/: anger, rage, or excitement
Neurotransmission
Occurs when neurons communicate info w/ each other by sending electrochemical messages from neuron to neuron
Neurotransmitters
Chemical substances manufactured in the neuron that aid in the transmission of information throughout the body
Necessary in just the right proportions to relay messages across the synapses.
Studies are beginning to show differences in the amount of some neurotransmitters available in the brains of people w/ certain mental disorders compared with those who have no signs of mental illness
Excitatory Neurotransmitters
Either excite or stimulate action in the cells
Inhibitory Neurotransmitters
Inhibits or stop action
Steps of Neurotransmission
1) Neurotransmitters fit into specific receptor cells embedded in the membrane of the dendrite
- Like a key into lock
2) Neurotransmitters are released into the synapse
- Relay message to receptor cells
3a) Reuptake: Transported back from the synapse to the axon to be stored for later use
3b) Metabolized and inactivated by enzymes, primarily monoamine oxidase (MAO)
Dopamine
A neurotransmitter located primarily in the brain stem
Involved in the control of complex movements, motivation, cognition, and regulation of emotional responses
Generally excitatory and is synthesized from tyrosine
Abnormal Increase is associated w/:
- Schizophrenia
- Mania
Abnormal Decrease is associated w/:
- Parkinson’s
- Depression
Antipsychotic medications work via blocking dopamine receptors and reducing dopamine activity
Norepinephrine
Located primarily in the brain stem (Excitatory)
Plays a role in changes in attention, learning and memory, sleep and wakefulness, and mood regulation
Excess is implicated in:
- Several anxiety disorders;
- Schizophrenia
- Mania
Deficits may contribute to memory loss, social withdrawal, and depression
Epinepherine
Derivative of Norepinephrine (Excitatory)
Controls fight-or-flight response
