Neurobiology of Stress and Mental Illnesses

This set of flashcards covers the key concepts, findings, and definitions from the lecture on the neurobiology of stress and mental illnesses.

What activates stress response systems according to Frankenhauser (1978)?

Situations perceived as less life-threatening.

Which hormones increase before a major graduate exam due to stress?

Sympathetic hormones including epinephrine (E) and norepinephrine (NE).

What two factors are important for stress appraisal?

Predictability and controllability.

What did Robert Sapolsky's 2001 study on baboons reveal about stress?

Baboons show considerable stress due to competition and dominance hierarchies, even in safe environments.

What are some short-term adaptations to stress?

Mobilization of energy reserves, increased cardiovascular output, suppression of digestion, heightened awareness.

What chronic conditions can arise from prolonged stress?

Hypertension, ulcers, type 2 diabetes, and psychosocial dwarfism.

What is psychosocial dwarfism?

Growth failure in children due to psychological and social stress, which can improve when stress is removed.

How does early life stress affect adult behavior in rodents?

It leads to increased stress reactivity and anxiety-like behavior due to epigenetic changes.

What is Cushing's disease?

An endocrine syndrome characterized by chronically elevated cortisol levels that can lead to hippocampal shrinkage.

What characterizes post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)?

Frequent distressing recollections, nightmares, and exaggerated arousal in response to stimuli.

How did traumatic experiences affect the brain structure of PTSD patients?

PTSD victims often show smaller hippocampal and prefrontal cortical volumes and a larger amygdala.

What are major categories of stress-related mental illnesses?

Major depressive illness, reactive depression, anxiety disorders, and PTSD.

What is the relation between schizophrenia (SZ) and stress?

Stress can precipitate the onset of schizophrenia but does not cause it.

What is the role of the dopaminergic system in schizophrenia?

Increased dopamine activity is linked to positive symptoms of schizophrenia.

How do SSRIs function as antidepressants?

They block the reuptake of serotonin, increasing its availability in the synapse.

What is the primary hypothesis for the biological basis of depression?

The monoamine hypothesis, which suggests depression is caused by low serotonin (5-HT) and norepinephrine (NE) activity.

What impact does chronic stress have on neurogenesis in the hippocampus?

Chronic stress is associated with reduced neurogenesis in the hippocampus, contributing to depressive symptoms.

What is the effect of dexamethasone on depressed patients?

Dexamethasone does not suppress the HPA axis in depressed patients, indicating a potential diagnosis for major depression.

What is one fast-acting treatment for depression?

Ketamine, which acts as an NMDA-receptor antagonist and produces rapid antidepressant effects.