Introduction to Mental Health Flashcards
(30 cards)
What is Neuroscience?
Multidisciplinary science studying the nervous system, processing information, and coordinating body responses
Neuroscience examines complex interactions in the brain and body, focusing on movement control and sensory information interpretation.
What are the main cells in the nervous system?
Neurons
Neurons respond to environmental changes and use neurotransmitters to communicate.
What types of signals does the nervous system use to communicate?
Electrical Signals and Chemical Signals
These signals are essential for neural communication and function.
Name six fields integrated into Neuroscience.
- Biology
- Psychology
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Mathematics
- Engineering
Each field contributes to understanding brain functions, cognition, and behavior.
Name the scientific method’s 6 steps.
- Observation / Question
- Research Topic Area
- Hypothesis
- Test with Experiment
- Analyze Data
- Report Conclusions
After the conclusion, subsequent questions are asked and the cycle repeats itself.
What is a case study?
In-depth analysis of individual patients with rare conditions
Case studies provide insights but show correlation rather than causation.
What is the role of animal research in neuroscience?
Studying questions that cannot be ethically tested on humans
Model organisms like mice and rats are commonly used due to physiological similarities to humans.
What does mental illness refer to?
A wide range of mental health conditions affecting mood, thinking, behavior, and functioning
Examples include depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder.
What factors contribute to mental illness?
- Genetic predispositions
- Environmental factors
- Lifestyle choices
These factors can interact and accumulate over time, influencing mental health.
What is the biopsychosocial model?
Attributes mental illness to a combination of biological, environmental, and psychosocial factors
This model offers a comprehensive view of mental health.
What is the DSM-5?
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition
It provides standardized criteria for the diagnosis of mental disorders.
Fill in the blank: Early interventions are crucial to mitigate the effects of _______.
adverse experiences
Early interventions are significantly more effective than later ones in preventing mental illness.
True or False: Misdiagnosis of mental disorders can lead to the development of symptoms of the misdiagnosed disorder.
True
Misdiagnosis complicates treatment and patient outcomes.
What is a critical period in brain development?
A time during early childhood and adolescence that shapes vulnerability to mental illness
Adverse experiences during these times can alter brain structure and function.
What are biomarkers in the context of mental diseases?
Specific biological markers used to identify mental diseases
Examples include neuroimaging techniques like MRI and genetic indicators.
Name 3 treatments that affect the outcomes of psychiatric disorders.
- Support Systems
- Medication
- Therapy
Support systems are increasingly recognized as critical in treatment and recovery.
What is the significance of the HPA axis in mental health?
It regulates the stress response and can be altered by trauma and chronic stress
Changes in the HPA axis increase the risk of anxiety and depression.
What does the clinical assessment involve?
A comprehensive evaluation of a patient’s symptoms, behaviors, and cognitive function
It includes interviews, observations, and psychological testing.
What is the challenge with overlapping symptoms in mental disorders?
Many disorders share symptoms, increasing complexity and risk of misdiagnosis
This can lead to multiple diagnoses and complicate treatment.
What are 3 methods that neuroscience uses to collect data about the brain?
- Case studies
- Experimental design
- Animal testing
How does experimental design minimize confounding factors?
By using random assignment and implementing a control group
Explain how psychology in neuroscience views the brain from a top-down perspective
By starting with psychological functions and exploring how the brain makes them happen.
Patient HM couldn’t create new memories because of what parts of the brain were removed?
Left and right hippocampus
What 3 animals are used instead of humans to study neuroscience?
- Rats
- Mice
- Macaques
Their brain structures are very similar in physiology to humans.
