Exam 3: Possible Essay Questions Flashcards
(10 cards)
- Discuss the hormones involved in appetite and weight regulation
a. Two main hormones involved in appetite and weight regulation are Leptin and Ghrelin. Leptin is a hormone that signals the brain about fat reserves and when there are deficiencies, we experience insatiable appetite. Leptin resistance in overweight individuals reduces its effectiveness. Ghrelin, another hormone involved in appetite and weight regulation, stimulates appetite; levels rise before meals and fall afterward. Excessive Ghrelin, as seen in individuals with certain conditions, drives intense food cravings and obesity.
- Discuss the role of the neurotransmitter serotonin in eating disorders
a. Serotonin plays an important role in eating disorders, influencing mood, appetite, and impulse control. Some studies have found that low serotonin levels could result in binge eating disorder and bulimia nervosa due to serotonin affecting the impulse control and satiety recognition. Additionally, high levels of serotonin have been shown to result in anorexia nervosa.
- List and describe three research-supported treatment options for alcohol use disorder
a. Three research-supported treatment options for alcohol use disorder include medications, behavioral and cognitive-behavioral therapy, and Alcoholics Anonymous. Medications include Disulfiram, which causes vomiting when alcohol is consumed, Naltrexone reduces cravings, and Acamprosate helps reduce drinking. Behavioral and cognitive-behavioral therapy includes a variety of education, coping skills, stress management, and life skills training. Lastly, Alcoholics Anonymous is a form of support group where individuals can provide support and guidance to maintain sobriety.
- List and describe treatment options for gambling disorder
a. Some treatment options for gambling disorder include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and support groups. Cognitive behavioral therapy can assist individuals in challenging irrational beliefs about gambling, in developing coping skills for urges, teaching problem-solving skills for stress, and implementing relapse prevention techniques. Support groups allow individuals to discuss their challenges and their progress, get advice from others who have gone through similar experiences, and more.
- Discuss the differences between positive symptoms and negative symptoms of schizophrenia. Be sure to list some of the positive and negative symptoms of schizophrenia
a. Positive symptoms of schizophrenia involve the distortion of normal functioning. Some examples of positive symptoms include hallucinations, delusions, disorganized thinking, and disorganized/abnormal motor behavior. Negative symptoms of schizophrenia involve certain abilities, as seen in healthy individuals, to be diminished or absent. Some negative symptoms include the flat affect, alogia, anhedonia, social withdrawal, and lack of motivation.
- List and describe three forms of treatment for schizophrenia according to your textbook
a. Three forms of treatment for schizophrenia according to the textbook include pharmacological approaches, psychosocial approaches such as family therapy, and additional treatment options such as cognitive-behavioral therapy. Some pharmacological approaches include first and second-generation antipsychotics which work to address positive and negative symptoms of schizophrenia. Psychosocial approaches such as family therapy focuses on teaching coping and problem solving skills, improving communication and reducing high expressed emotion by educating families. It has also been shown to result in lower relapse rates in individuals with schizophrenia. Lastly, cognitive-behavioral therapy encourages reality testing of delusions and challenging hallucinations.
- List and describe six treatable causes of neurocognitive disorders according to your textbook
a. One treatable cause of neurocognitive disorders as described in the textbook is vitamin B12 deficiency which can lead to cognitive impairment.
b. Another one is drug intoxication/withdrawal which can be treated using medications such as Benzodiazepines.
c. Thirdly, infections such as syphilis, and AIDS can impact the brain, but can be treated.
d. Fourthly, depression which is shown in Parkinson’s disease can be treated using antidepressants and other forms of treatment.
e. Another treatable cause is medical toxicity as shown in elderly post-surgery, treatment could include identifying and removing the toxin and then using detoxification methods.
f. Lastly, sleep disturbances and sleep disorders can be treated to enhance cognitive health.
- List and describe six nonreversible causes of neurocognitive disorders according to your textbook
- Alzheimer’s disease – includes memory loss, cognitive decline, and behavioral changes. Due to the accumulation of amyloid plaques and tau tangles in the brain
- Parkinson’s disease - results in cognitive impairment due to degeneration of dopamine-producing neurons in the brain.
- Huntington’s Disease – a genetic disorder that leads to the breakdown of nerve cells in the brain, causing cognitive decline, movement issues, and psychiatric symptoms
- Vascular Dementia – caused by small strokes and will affect brain regions, leading to softening and degeneration.
- Amnestic Disorders – caused by strokes, injuries, tumors, and/or infections. Can result in memory impairment.
- Brain injuries and strokes – can result in irreversible brain damage
- List and describe six disorders sometimes associated with Intellectual Disabilities according to your textbook
a. Down syndrome – caused by extra genetic material and results in speech and cognitive impairment, accelerated aging, cognitive decline, and is at higher risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
b. Phenylketonuria (PKU) – caused by a missing liver enzyme that breaks down phenylalanine. It can result in brain damage and intellectual disability.
c. Macrocephaly – caused by abnormal glial cell growth, which can result in visual impairment, convulsions, and neurological issues.
d. Microcephaly – caused by reduced cerebral cortex growth, can result in little language development and severe cognitive deficits.
e. Hydrocephaly – caused by excess cerebrospinal fluid accumulation that damages brain tissue and can result in an enlarged skull, intellectual impairment, and convulsions.
f. Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) – caused by genetic and environmental factors, smaller brain volumes, and delayed brain maturation. It can result in difficulties with attention, impulsiveness, and excessive motor activity, impairment in home/school/work settings, and more.
- List and describe at least six symptoms of ADHD according to your textbook (and according to the DSM-5)
a. Fails to give attention to details and makes careless mistakes in activities.
b. Difficulty sustaining attention in tasks or play activities.
c. Often does not seem to listen when spoken to directly
d. Often does not follow through on instructions and fails to finish tasks.
e. Has difficulty in organizing tasks and activities.
f. Avoids, dislikes, or is reluctant to take part in tasks that require sustained mental effort.
