Neuropsychiatry

Question 1

neuropsychiatry

Answer 1

an integrative specialty combining psychiatry (tam than hoc),
neurology (than kinh hoc), and neuropsychology (thankinh tam ly hoc).

Question 2

psychosis

Answer 2

diseases that involve the disconnection to reality

Question 3

percentage of patients recovered from schizophrenia

Answer 3

25% FULLY recover

Question 4

psychosis spectrum

Answer 4

psychotic experiences -> psychotic symptoms -> psychotic disorder

Question 5

when individuals move from one to another (experiences to symptoms,…)

Answer 5

increased:
- experiences
- frequency
- distress

Question 6

UHR = Ultra High Risk stage (Around adolescence)

Answer 6

This is a clinically identifiable stage.

People at this stage may have mild or early psychotic symptoms (but not full psychosis yet).

About 20% of people in this group will develop a full psychotic disorder later.

This is the window for early intervention.

Question 7

Purpose of biomarkers

Answer 7

1. Diagnosis
2. Prognosis
3. Treatment response: Precision medicine / personalized medicine

Question 8

Challenges of biomakers for schizophrenia

Answer 8

1. schizophrenia is heterogeneous
2. schizophrenia often overlaps with other conditions

Question 9

transdiagnostic approach

Answer 9

A research approach that looks for shared biological, genetic, or psychological mechanisms across multiple psychiatric disorders, rather than studying each disorder in isolation.

Question 10

Why is transdiagnostic research important?

Answer 10

1. many mental disorders share overlapping symptoms and genetic risk factors
2. some patients have more than 1 disorder
3. provide treatment according domains (attention, memory, dopamine,…) not disease

Question 11

Research Domain Criteria (RDoC)

Answer 11

• is used to understand mental illness from the inside out — starting with the brain and biology, instead of just labeling symptoms.
• it supports a more accurate, brain-based, personalized approach to mental health.

Question 12

agonists

Answer 12

activates

Question 13

antagonists

Answer 13

blocks

Question 14

Antipsychotic medications

Answer 14

dopamine antagonists, meaning they block dopamine receptors to reduce symptoms like hallucinations and delusions.

Question 15

Salience and Psychosis

Answer 15

In psychosis, dopamine signals are misfired, so the brain gives too much importance (salience) to things that are not actually meaningful.

Question 16

Limitations of the Dopamine Hypothesis

Answer 16

1. only explain positive symptoms (delusions, hallucination) but cant explain negative symptoms (flat emotion, social withdrawal)
2. dont cover efficiency of other drugs
3. oversimplified

Question 17

newer thinking of dopamine and psychosis

Answer 17

dopamine problems cause psychosis-like symptoms instead of schizophrenia
- these symptoms can be triggered by risk factors (stress, trauma, genes) in vulnerable ppl

Question 18

other neurotransmitter (not just dopamine)

Answer 18

glutamate

Question 19

psychotic-like symptoms, especially cognitive and negative symptoms caused by

Answer 19

blocking glutamate receptors (caused by ketamine)

Question 20

Glutamate problems may be linked to

Answer 20

brain cell loss in schizophrenia

Question 21

glutamate

Answer 21

Excitatory neurotransmitter
blocked -> negative symptoms

Question 22

dopamine hypothesis

Answer 22

overhype dopamine in striatum -> see too much salience -> misinterpreting those salience -> delusions

Question 23

cognitive impairments in schiphrenia are

Answer 23

generalized, meaning many domain are affected not just one

Question 24

A Cautionary Note on Group Differences

Answer 24

Research shows average group differences (people with schizophrenia vs. healthy controls), but that doesn’t mean every individual with schizophrenia has those exact cognitive problems.
-> individual testing is important

Question 25

E/I balance in schizophrenia as a cause

Answer 25

In schizophrenia, too little GABA (- I) and too much glutamate (+E) can mess up how brain cells talk to each other. This may lead to weird brain activity, sensory problems, and cognitive dysfunction (thinking problems). Also affects how dopamine works.

Question 26

cognition in schizophrenia are associated with

Answer 26

reduced social functioning (e.g., difficulties at work, social relationships)

Question 27

no evidence abt cognition in schizophrenia are associated with

Answer 27

positive symptoms and effects of medication

Question 28

speed of processing

Answer 28

Symbol digit substitution (thay the) test

Question 29

Attention and vigilance

Answer 29

continuous performance test (“press X, but only when preceded by A”)

Question 30

Working memory

Answer 30

digit span 1 5 7 5 6 2 9 3 (7±2; forwards & backwards)

Question 31

Executive functioning

Answer 31

Wisconsin Card Sorting Test Sort card based on unknown rule, told whether right/wrong, but not what the rule is

Question 32

Social cognition

Answer 32

Lower order processes (basic emotion perception) - Higher order processes (e.g. Theory of Mind; understanding others’ mind) - E.g., false belief task, hinting task

Question 33

cognitive styles

Answer 33

- self-serving bias - jumping to conclusions - disconfirmation ignorance - source monitoring bias

Question 34

source monitoring bias

Answer 34

Mistaking the source of a memory or thought ex: imagined or dreamed but thought i was real

Question 35

persecutory delusions

Answer 35

Belief of being watched or targeted

Question 36

Delusions of reference

Answer 36

Thinking unrelated events are specifically about oneself

Question 37

Grandiose delusions

Answer 37

Believing you are unusually talented or chosen

Question 38

3 core symptoms of schizophrenia

Answer 38

Positive symptoms: Delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech Negative symptoms: Lack of motivation, reduced speech, flat affect Cognitive symptoms: Memory problems, poor concentration, reduced executive function

Question 39

onset of schizophrenia

Answer 39

- Typically starts in late adolescence or early adulthood - Often chronic, but course varies per individual - Recovery is possible with treatment and support

Question 40

Biological causes of schizophrenia

Answer 40

1. genetic: high heritability 2. dopamine and glutamate 3. brain structure: enlarged ventricles, reduced gray matter

Question 41

environmental causes of schizophrenia

Answer 41

- urban upbringing - immigrant - childhood trauma - substance use

Question 42

medication treatment for psychosis

Answer 42

1. antipsychotic = dopamine antagonist (have side effects) 2. clozapine: effective for treatment-resistant schizophrenia

Question 43

psychological treatment

Answer 43

- CBT: reduce distress - family intervention: educating - social skills training, occupational therapy

Question 44

Cognitive Impairments in Psychosis Can be assessed and targeted using

Answer 44

neuropsychological testing and cognitive remediation therapies

Question 45

cognitive remediation therapies

Question 46

Psychosocial Consequences

Answer 46

Social isolation, job loss, relationship problems

Question 47

Stigma

Answer 47

Stigma leads to discrimination, delays in seeking help Self-stigma can worsen outcomes

Question 48

Recovery

Answer 48

Recovery doesn’t always mean full symptom remission — it can mean living a meaningful life despite symptoms