NEURODEVELOPMENTAL DISORDERS

Neurodevelopmental

In utero or right after, < 3 yrs - typically affect cognition, learning, memory, and behavior

ADHD

Lack of focus & impulse control, overactive

ADHD NTs

Lack dopamine- lack reward/motivation

Norepinephrine- adrenaline rush when tasks are put off for too long

Autism spectrum disorder

Communication deficits & repetition- cannot pick up on social cues & unresponsive- stimming

Intellectual Disability

IQ<70, 2 or more SDs below norm

neurocognitive disorders

primary problem of disorder = impact on cognitive function (memory, problem solving, perception)

Delirium

Temporary state of massive confusion

Somatic symptom disorders

Psychiatric symptoms + physical complaints

Dissociative disorders

Involve a sudden loss in memory (amnesia) or identity change

Dissociative amnesia

Loss of memory for traumatic event painful or period of time

Dissociative identity disorder

at least two distinct and enduring personalities that recurrently control a person’s behavior

Schizophrenia

Neurocognitive psychotic disorder that is very heritable- unusual perceptions, odd thoughts, disturbed emotions

Stages of schizophrenia

Prodromal: disorder w/ slight symptoms

Acute: typical symptoms/ hallucinations

Regression: symptoms lesson but never leave

Psychosis

any disorder in which person has lost contact with reality

Positive symptoms of schizophrenia (added to personality)

Hallucinations, inappropriate emotions, delusions

Schizophrenia delusions

Bizarre/ far-fetched beliefs that are stubborn even after being proven wrong

Delusions of reference

Hidden messages are being sent to you (thru TV, radio, newspaper)

Delusions of grandeur

Believing you are someone very powerful/important, have special abilities, possessions, or powers

Delusions of persecution

Believing that spies, aliens, govt., or neighbors are plotting against you (most common of the delusions)

Schizophrenia hallucinations

Perceiving a seniority stimuli that nobody else can perceive, vividly real, usually negative

Inappropriate affect

Emotions are unsuited to the situation

Negative symptoms of schizophrenia

Things the person usually does not do - can be misinterpreted as depression or laziness

Catatonia

Pattern of extreme psychomotor symptoms which may include stupor, rigidity, or posturing

Stupor

Stop responding to environment, motionless and silent for long time

Rigidity

Rigid upright posture for house and don’t want to be moved

Posturing

Awkward bizarre positions for long time

Flat affect

Withholding emotions and presenting as emotionally uninvolved

Avolition

Apathy and inability to start or complete course of action

Disorganized speech/ thinking

Combing through thoughts or switching from thought to another “Word salad” - believing these statements make sense

genetic link to schizophrenia

Strong genetic link to family members

Dopamine hypothesis

High fluctuation of levels of dopamine can be responsible for schizophrenic symptoms

Diathesis-stress model

people inherit a predisposition or diathesis that increases risk to schizophrenia, exposure to stress may put one at higher risk of developing schizophrenia