Gene-Environment Interaction and Mental Disorders

These flashcards cover key concepts related to gene-environment interactions, mental disorders, and their symptoms, including distinguishing between schizophrenia and dissociative disorders.

5-HTTLPR gene

A gene that regulates serotonin reuptake and can exist in long or short forms.

Allele

Different forms of a gene that can influence genetic traits.

Homozygous

Having two identical alleles for a particular gene.

Heterozygous

Having two different alleles for a particular gene.

Major Depressive Episode

A period characterized by the onset of depressive symptoms that significantly impair daily functioning.

Interaction of Genetics and Environment

The way genetic predisposition and environmental stressors combine to influence an individual's mental health.

Hallucinations

Perceptual experiences that occur without external stimuli, such as hearing voices or seeing things that aren't there.

Delusions

Beliefs contrary to reality, such as feeling persecuted or possessing extraordinary powers.

Disorganized Thinking

Inability to organize thoughts logically, often seen in schizophrenia.

Negative Symptoms

Absence of normal emotional responses or behaviors, such as lack of motivation or social withdrawal.

Dissociative Disorders

Conditions characterized by a disconnection from reality, memory, or sense of self.

Depersonalization

A feeling of detachment from one's body or self.

Derealization

A feeling of detachment from the external world.

Dissociative Identity Disorder

A rare disorder where an individual displays two or more distinct personalities.

Borderline Personality Disorder

A mental health disorder marked by unstable moods, behaviors, and relationships.

Antisocial Personality Disorder

A disorder characterized by a pervasive pattern of disregard for the rights of others.

Psychotic Symptoms

Symptoms such as hallucinations and delusions that disrupt an individual's perceptions of reality.

Cognitive Symptoms

Symptoms affecting thinking processes, including difficulty in concentration or decision-making.

Avolition

Lack of motivation to engage in activities one would typically find enjoyable.

Allogia

A deficiency in the amount or content of speech.

Asociality

Lack of interest in social interactions or relationships.

Anhedonia

The inability to experience pleasure.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

A type of depression related to changes in seasons, often more pronounced in winter months.

Antipsychotics

Medications used to treat symptoms of schizophrenia and other mental disorders.

Stigma

A social phenomenon that involves prejudice and discrimination against individuals with mental illness.

What does the five HTTLPR gene regulate?

Serotonin reuptake.

What are the two variants of the HTTLPR gene?

Long form and short form.

Who may have an increased risk of depression according to the HTTLPR gene study?

Individuals with the short form allele, especially when combined with stressful life events.

What is crucial in the relationship between genetics and depression?

The interplay of genetics (gene type) and environment (stressful events); it's not a direct cause-effect relation.

How do stressful life events affect the likelihood of depressive episodes?

They amplify the likelihood, particularly for those with the short gene variant.

What does a graph visualization show regarding the short allele?

The short (homozygous) allele is depicted in red, heterozygous in green, and long form (homozygous) in blue.

When does the risk of depression increase significantly?

With higher numbers of stressful events, especially beyond three events.

What did a study reveal about adults with the short allele?

They have higher rates of chronic depression, especially if exposed to maltreatment in childhood.

What are the symptoms of schizophrenia?

Hallucinations, delusions, disorganized thinking, and negative symptoms.

What is often the time frame for diagnosing schizophrenia?

Typically diagnosed after the onset of psychosis (late teens to early thirties).

What are positive symptoms of schizophrenia?

Hallucinations and delusions.

What are negative symptoms of schizophrenia?

Symptoms indicating an absence of expected behaviors, such as a lack of motivation.

What are some causes of schizophrenia?

A combination of genetic predispositions and environmental triggers like drug use or early exposure to viruses.

What types of treatment are available for schizophrenia?

Traditional antipsychotics targeting dopamine, newer antipsychotics for neurotransmitter balance, and cognitive behavioral therapy.

What characterizes dissociative disorders?

Detachment from self or reality.

What is dissociative amnesia?

Memory loss often following traumatic experiences, without prior neurological issues.

What is depersonalization/derealization disorder?

Recurring feelings of unreality towards self (depersonalization) or the world (derealization).

What is dissociative identity disorder (DID)?

A rare disorder involving multiple distinct identities, often rooted in trauma.

What are the characteristics of personality disorders?

Inflexible patterns that differ from cultural norms, causing distress or impairment.

What is borderline personality disorder?

Instability in relationships, self-image, and intense emotions, often associated with previous trauma.

What characterizes antisocial personality disorder?

Disregard for others' rights, impulsive and illegal behaviors; lack of empathy and remorse.

What is the prevalence of personality disorders in the population?

Approximately 9% of the population, with borderline and antisocial disorders being more common.

How are mental disorders related to violence?

They are rarely linked to violence; most people with mental illnesses are nonviolent and often victims of violence.

What complicates the assessment of mental competence in legal contexts?

Substance abuse increases risks.

What is gene-environment interaction?

The intersection of genetic predisposition and environmental stressors leading to depression.

What are positive symptoms in schizophrenia?

Symptoms present when they shouldn’t be, such as hallucinations.

What are negative symptoms in schizophrenia?

Symptoms indicating absence of expected behaviors, like lack of motivation.

What defines dissociative identity disorder?

A rare disorder characterized by the presence of multiple identities, often linked to trauma.