Final Exam

Question 1

How Are People with Severe Disturbances Cared For?

Answer 1

-Began with psychotropic medications (drugs that primarily affect the brain and reduce many symptoms of mental dysfunction)
-Then deinstitutionalization (practice of releasing hundreds of thousands of patients from public mental hospitals)
-community mental health approach ( recent emphasis on community care for people with severe psychological disturbances)

Question 2

Brain Chemistry

Answer 2

-Brain made up of approx. 86 bil. neurons + thousands of support cells called glia
-Info communicated throughout brain in form of electrical impulses traveling from 1 neuron to 1+ others
-Impulse 1st received by neurons dendrites; antenna like extensions located at 1 end of neuron

Question 3

Brain Chemistry + Abnormal Behavior

Answer 3

-Studies indicate that abnormal activity by certain neurotransmitters is sometimes tied to mental disorders
- mental disorders are sometimes related to abnormal chemical activity in the body’s endocrine system. Endocrine glands, located throughout the body, work along with neurons to control such vital activities as growth, reproduction, sexual activity, heart rate, body temperature, and responses to stress. The glands release chemicals called hormones into the bloodstream, and these chemicals then propel body organs into action. During times of stress, for example, the adrenal glands, located on top of the kidneys, secrete the hormone cortisol to help the body deal with the stress. Abnormal secretions of this chemical have been tied to anxiety and depression.
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