Abnormal Psychology (Ch 6)

MAOI’s (Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors)

prevent the breakdown of serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine

MAOI side effects

hypertensive crisis (orthostaic hypotension, sedation)

MAOI action

inhibit MAO, preventing the breakdwon of neurotransmitters

TCA (tricyclic antidepressant)

increase availability of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain by blocking reuptake

Muscarinic antagonism

block the effect of acetylcholine

TCA side effects

cardio-toxic effects (heart attack, stroke, sudden death)

sexual dysfunction

worst side effect of SSRI’s

SNRI

blocks reabsorption of serotonin & norepinephrine in brain

cortisol

stress hormone

adjustment disorder

exposure to stressor, symptoms begin within 3 months, last no longer than 6 months once stressor goes away

acute stress disorder

direct/indirect exposure to traumatic stressor (actual/threatened death, etc), persists 3 days to 1 month after exposure

PTSD

direct/indirect exposure to a traumatic stressor, symptoms present for at least 1 month

Biological dimension of PTSD

body is designed for homeostasis

• amygdala sends out fight/flight response

• stress hormone changes to the brain

Sociocultural dimension of PTSD

gender differences

Psychological factors PTSD

stress- causes changes that influence health

psychophysiological disorder

physical disorder with a strong psychological basis/component

coronary heart disease

cardiac arteries narrow, resulting in complete or partial blockage of flow of blood/oxygen to the heart

atherosclerosis

fat, cholesterol, other substances build up in arteries and cause hard plaque (caused by smoking)

hypertension

increased blood pressure (140/90 or above)

migraine

neurologically based head pain accompanied by symptoms

tension headache

stress creates prolonged contraction of scalp/neck muscles, resulting in vascular constriction and steady pain

cluster headache

excruciating stabbing or burning sensations located in the eye/cheek

asthma

chronic inflammatory disease of lungs