Mental illness - biology Flashcards
What is Alzheimer’s disease
a physical disease that affects the brain. Abnormal structures build up inside the brain and disrupt how nerve cells work causing them to die.
Causes of Alzheimer’s disease
Abnormal structures called ‘plaques’ and ‘tangles’ build up inside the brain. These disrupt how nerve cells work and communicate with each other, and eventually cause them to die. Also a shortage of some important chemicals in the brain of someone with Alzheimer’s. Lower levels of these chemicals mean that messages don’t travel around as well as they should.
How do anti-depressants exert their effect?
by balancing chemicals in your brain called neurotransmitters that affect mood and emotions, e.g. SSRIs increase serotonin levels in the brain
Describe the physiological causes of schizophrenia
Stressful life events
drug and alcohol use
genetic inheritance
differences in brain chemistry
What is the role of neurotransmitters in the development of schizophrenia?
people with schizophrenia have an imbalance of the neurotransmitters: dopamine, glutamate, and serotonin. These neurotransmitters allow nerve cells in the brain to send messages to each other.
What are the signs and symptoms of psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia
positive – any change in behavior or thoughts, such as hallucinations/delusions
negative – people appear to withdraw from the world around them, take no interest in everyday social interactions and often appear emotionless and flat
What drugs are used to treat schizophrenia and what side effects should you be aware of
Flupentixol / Haloperidol / Zuclopenthixol / Clozapine / Risperidone / Olanzapine / Quetiapine
Weight gain, sleepiness & slowness, higher risk of diabetes, constipation, stiffness/shakiness, and restlessness.
What is delirium?
Neuropsychiatric disorder. It is an acute state of confusion and inattention which may be accompanied by an altered level of consciousness and disorganized thinking
What methods may you use to assess, monitor, and treat delirium?
Short Confusion Assessment Method (CAM) or Confusion Assessment Method - ICU (CAM-ICU) are both standardised assessment tools to identify Delirium.
What is aetiology
The study of the causes
Common causes of delirium (6)
Infections Withdrawal Toxins, drugs Hypoxia deficiencies Trauma
what patients are most likely to be affected by delirium? (5)
Aged over 65
Cognitive impairment dementia
current hip fracture
severe illness
Pharmacological treatment for delirium
Haloperidol (Anti-psychotic) (short term use)
loraz for alcohol withdrawal delirium
