Psychobiology of Psychiatric Disorders

Question 1

Psychobiology of Psychiatric Disorders

Answer 1

explores the biological bases of behavior and mental processes, including psychiatric disorders

Question 2

Brain Regions

Answer 2

Depression: Reduced activity in prefrontal cortex, increased in amygdala.

Schizophrenia: Enlarged ventricles, reduced grey matter, dysfunction in frontal & temporal lobes.

Question 2

Neurochemical Theories

Answer 2

Depression: Low serotonin, norepinephrine, dopamine.

Schizophrenia: Dopamine hypothesis (excess activity), glutamate dysregulation.

Question 3

Stress and HPA Axis

Answer 3

Overactivation can lead to mood disorders

Question 4

Treatment Approaches

Answer 4

Antidepressants (SSRIs, MAOIs).
Antipsychotics (dopamine antagonists).
CBT, ECT for severe cases.

Question 5

Caspi et al. (2003)

Answer 5

Gene-environment interaction in depression using 5-HTT gene.

Question 6

Criticism to Capsi et al.

Answer 6

Correlational — cannot infer causation. Possible recall bias in reporting life events. Other genes likely involved.

Question 7

Weinberger et al. (1979)

Answer 7

Found enlarged ventricles in schizophrenia via CT scans.

Question 8

Criticism to Weinberger et al

Answer 8

Small sample, early imaging tech with lower resolution. Enlargement not unique to schizophrenia. Doesn’t establish causation.

Question 8

Davidson (2002)

Answer 8

EEG study showing reduced left prefrontal activity in depression.

Question 9

Davidson Criticism

Answer 9

EEG has low spatial resolution. Doesn’t establish whether changes are cause or consequence of depression.