Other Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Brain Injuries, and Brain Pathologies (Psych 2113 Exam 4)

Schizophrenia

A chronic, severe mental disorder characterized by disruptions in thought processes, perceptions, emotional responsiveness, and social interactions

Positive Symptoms of Schizophrenia

Delusions (Grandeur, Persecution, Reference) & Hallucinations (Auditory, Visual, Gustatory, Olfactory, Tactile)

Negative Symptoms of Schizophrenia

Avolition (Persistent lack of motivation), Alogia (Reduction in the quantity or content of speech), Anhedonia (A reduced ability to feel joy), Asociality (Lack of interest in social interactions and relationships), and Affective Flattening (A severe reduction in the outward expression of emotion)

Dopamine Hypothesis (Schizophrenia)

Hyperactive dopamine (D1 Receptors) in the subcortical mesolimbic pathway (positive symptoms) / Hypoactive dopamine (D2 Receptors) in the prefrontal mesocortical pathway (negative/cognitive symptoms)

Glutamate Hypo-Functioning Hypothesis

Reduced glutamate function, specifically NMDA receptor hypofunction, contributes to negative symptoms (apathy) and cognitive impairment (poor memory)

Alzheimer’s Disease

A progressive, irreversible neurodegenerative disorder and the leading cause of dementia, characterized by the deterioration of cognitive functions

Neurofibrillary Tangles of Tau Proteins

They destroy the cell's transport system (microtubules), leading to neuronal dysfunction, synaptic loss, and severe cognitive impairment

Beta-Amyloid Protein Plaques

They accumulate between neurons in the brain that disrupt cellular communication, causes memory loss, and drives cognitive decline by creating toxic environments for neural networks

Seizures

A temporary, sudden, and uncontrolled surge of abnormal electrical activity in the brain, disrupting normal neuron communication

Tonic-Clonic Seizures (AKA Grand Mal)

Characterized by loss of consciousness, body stiffening, and rhythmic jerking

Absence Seizures (AKA Petit Mal)

Non-convulsive, brief, and characterized by a blank stare or "daydreaming" appearance with rapid, full-brain activity

Cerebral Vascular Accidents (Strokes)

The sudden disruption of blood flow to the brain, causing oxygen deprivation and resulting in temporary or permanent impairment of cognitive, motor, and sensory functions

Ischemic Stroke (Thrombus)

A clot blocks blood flow to part of the brain, starving neurons of oxygen

Hemorrhagic Stroke (Aneurysm)

A weakened blood vessel bursts, spilling blood into brain tissue and increasing pressure

Benign Tumors

Is noncancerous, generally grows slowly, remains localized, and usually does not spread to other parts of the body, posing less risk

Malignant Tumors

A cancerous, rapidly growing mass that invades nearby tissues and metastasizes to other areas of the body

Coup-Countercoup Injuries

A traumatic brain injury (TBI) involving two distinct areas of damage which are the "coup" at the site of impact and the "contrecoup" on the opposite side

Meningitis

The inflammation of the meninges, the three protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord

Viral Meningitis

More common, usually mild, and self-resolving with supportive care

Bacterial Meningitis

A life-threatening, rapidly progressing infection requiring urgent antibiotics

Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathy (TSEs)

A group of rare, fatal neurodegenerative brain disorders caused by Prions (which are misfolded proteins that destroy neurons and leave sponge-like holes in the brain)