Neurobiology of Mental Disorders

A collection of 55 vocabulary flashcards based on key concepts and terminology related to the neurobiology of mental disorders discussed in the lecture.

Amino Acid Inhibitors

Substances that block the action of enzymes responsible for breaking down amino acids, leading to increased levels of neurotransmitters.

Neurotransmitters

Chemical messengers that transmit signals in the brain and affect various mental processes.

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)

Medications that increase serotonin levels in the synaptic cleft, commonly used to treat depression.

HPA Axis

A complex set of interactions between the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and adrenal glands, important in the stress response.

CRH (Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone)

A hormone released by the hypothalamus that stimulates the pituitary gland to release ACTH.

ACTH (Adrenocorticotropic Hormone)

A hormone produced by the pituitary gland that stimulates the adrenal glands to produce glucocorticoids.

Glucocorticoids

Hormones produced by the adrenal glands, involved in the stress response, including cortisol.

Amygdala

A brain region involved in the processing of emotions, particularly those associated with fear and stress.

Neurotoxic Effects

Detrimental effects of stress on neuron health and brain function.

Neurotrophic Factors

Proteins that support neuron growth, survival, and differentiation.

Ketamine

An anesthetic that may promote the production of neurotrophic factors and enhance synaptic connections.

Affective Disorders

Psychiatric conditions characterized by significant mood disturbances.

Phobias

Intense, irrational fears about specific objects or situations.

Panic Disorders

Anxiety disorders marked by sudden and repeated episodes of intense fear.

Agoraphobia

Fear and avoidance of places where one feels trapped or helpless.

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

An anxiety disorder characterized by unwanted recurring thoughts and repetitive behaviors.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

A disorder characterized by excessive anxiety and worry about various aspects of life.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Condition that develops in some people after experiencing a shocking or terrifying event.

Heritability

The proportion of variation in a trait attributable to genetics.

Identical Twins

Twins that share 100% of their genetic material.

Fraternal Twins

Twins that share approximately 50% of their genetic material.

Etiology

The study of causes or origins of a disease.

Viral Infections

Illnesses caused by viruses that may affect fetal brain development.

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)

Traumatic experiences during childhood that increase the risk of developing mental health conditions.

Neurodevelopmental Condition

A category of disorders that stem from disruptions in the development of the nervous system.

Neurological Symptoms

Effects on cognitive functions caused by brain-related issues, such as schizophrenia.

Dopamine System

Neural pathways involving the neurotransmitter dopamine, important for reward and pleasure.

Dopamine Agonists

Drugs that stimulate dopamine receptors, potentially inducing symptoms similar to schizophrenia.

Dopamine Antagonists

Medications that block dopamine receptors, used to treat schizophrenia.

Temporal Lobes

Regions of the cerebral cortex involved in processing auditory information and storing memory.

Frontal Lobes

Brain regions associated with executive functions, decision-making, and impulse control.

Positive Symptoms

Symptoms of schizophrenia that reflect an excess or distortion of normal functions, such as hallucinations.

Negative Symptoms

Symptoms characterized by a diminishment or absence of normal emotional responses or behaviors.

Cognitive Symptoms

Problems with memory, attention, and the ability to process information in individuals with schizophrenia.

Cortical Thinning

Reduction in the thickness of the cerebral cortex, often observed in individuals with certain mental disorders.

Atrophy of Gray Matter

Loss of neurons and neural connections within specific brain regions.

Psychotic Episodes

Periods of time when an individual experiences impaired thoughts and emotional responses.

Hallucinogens

Substances that can alter perception, mood, and cognitive processes, potentially triggering psychosis.

Treatment-Resistant Depression

Depression that does not respond to standard treatments such as SSRIs or psychotherapy.

Neurogenesis

The process by which neurons are generated from neural stem cells.

Radial Glial Cells

Cells that guide the migration of neurons during brain development.

Environmental Stressors

External pressures or challenges that may contribute to the onset or exacerbation of mental health conditions.

Biological Factors

Genetic and physiological components that influence the risk of developing psychiatric disorders.

Exacerbated Abnormal Behavior

Behavior that becomes more intense or severe in the context of mental health disorders.

Shared Genetic Material

The genetic similarities that exist between individuals, particularly within families.