Neuroscience and Psychiatric disease midterm notes:

Neuroscience

Originally physiological psychology, it evolved into a multi-disciplinary field studying mental disorders.

Microbiota

Gut bacteria that aid in fermentation, immune response, and vitamin production; balance is crucial for brain function.

Mental illness

Expressing oneself in ways not considered normal, often with genetic and experiential influences.

Loneliness

An epidemic-level issue that can have worse health effects than smoking, contributing to mental illness.

Comorbidity

The occurrence of multiple mental illnesses in an individual, often influenced by shared risk factors.

Stigma

Negative perceptions of mental illness that can lead to misdiagnosis and inadequate treatment.

Biopsychosocial model

A framework for understanding mental illness that incorporates biological, psychological, and social factors.

Action potential

The change in charge within a neuron that must reach a threshold to trigger a signal.

Synaptic transmission

The process by which neurotransmitters are released and bind to receptors, facilitating communication between neurons.

Epigenetics

Changes in gene expression influenced by environmental factors, potentially affecting mental health.

General adaptation syndrome

A three-stage response to stress involving alarm, resistance, and exhaustion.

Neurotransmitters

Chemicals that transmit signals across synapses, including excitatory (e.g., glutamate) and inhibitory (e.g., GABA) types.

Immune system

Composed of innate and adaptive components, it plays a crucial role in responding to pathogens and stressors.

Stressors

Negative experiences that can trigger stress responses, categorized as psychogenic, neurogenic, or systemic.

Research Domain Criteria Initiative (RDoC)

A framework for diagnosing mental disorders based on biological and behavioral features rather than traditional categories.