PsychoPathoPhysiology - Cognitive, Anxiety, Pediatric, and Mood Disorder Vocabulary (Video Notes)

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and concepts from the lecture notes on cognitive disorders, anxiety disorders, pediatric psychiatric conditions, and mood disorders.

Delirium

Acute, fluctuating disturbance in consciousness and cognition, often reversible when the underlying cause (e.g., infection) is treated; safety is the priority.

Dementia

Chronic, progressive cognitive decline (memory, language, problem solving) that is not acutely reversible.

Sundowning

Increased agitation or confusion in the evening commonly seen in dementia.

Lewy body dementia

Dementia characterized by visual hallucinations and parkinsonism features.

Confabulation

Fabrication used to fill memory gaps when memory is impaired.

Alzheimer’s disease

Most common form of dementia; progressive memory loss with other cognitive decline.

Donepezil

Acetylcholinesterase inhibitor used to slow cognitive decline in Alzheimer’s disease.

Memantine

NMDA receptor antagonist for moderate to severe dementia; excreted by the kidneys; monitor renal function.

MMSE (Mini-Mental State Examination)

Cognitive screening tool; scores: 24–30 normal, 18–23 mild impairment, 0–17 severe impairment.

Wandering (in dementia)

Safety concern requiring a secure environment and supervision to prevent getting lost.

Short-term memory loss

Initial hallmark symptom of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias.

Simple, calm communication

Therapeutic approach in advanced dementia to reduce anxiety and confusion.

Pathologic anxiety

Persistent, excessive anxiety causing impairment for more than 6 months.

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)

Excessive worry most days for at least 6 months.

SSRI (sertraline)

First-line medication for anxiety disorders; side effects can include persistent sexual dysfunction.

Panic attacks

Abrupt surges of intense fear with somatic symptoms that peak within minutes.

Panic disorder

Recurrent, unexpected panic attacks with at least 1 month of persistent concern or behavioral change.

Hyperventilation

Lowers arterial CO2 causing respiratory alkalosis, leading to lightheadedness, paresthesias, and cramps.

Phobias

Excessive, specific fears; exposure-based therapies are most effective.

Obsessions

Intrusive, unwanted thoughts or images causing distress.

Compulsions

Repetitive behaviors aimed at reducing distress from obsessions.

Propranolol

Nonselective beta-blocker used shortly before presentations to reduce autonomic anxiety symptoms (tachycardia, tremor).

Buspirone

Anxiolytic with delayed onset; not for immediate relief; non-sedating, non-addictive; used for chronic GAD.

Benzodiazepines

Anxiolytics associated with sedation, fall risk, delirium, and cognitive decline in older adults.

Agoraphobia

Anxiety about being in places or situations where escape might be difficult; leads to avoidance.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)

Gold-standard therapy for pediatric anxiety disorders; teaches coping and problem-solving skills.

Intellectual disability causes

Most common worldwide due to genetic syndromes (e.g., Down, Fragile X) and prenatal/perinatal conditions.

Separation anxiety

Excessive distress with separation, nightmares of harm, and school refusal.

Giving away possessions

Warning sign of suicidal intent requiring immediate intervention.

Adolescent depression presentation

Often presents with somatic complaints (headaches, stomachaches) rather than expressed sadness.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for pediatric anxiety

Gold-standard therapy teaching coping and problem-solving for children.

Major depressive disorder (MDD)

Depressed mood and anhedonia for at least 2 weeks plus other symptoms; safety risk if suicidal ideation; ECT not first-line.

Suicide risk assessment

Nurse's priority to assess safety and potential thoughts of self-harm before other interventions.

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)

Not first-line; used for severe, treatment-resistant depression or rapid improvement.

Group activities (depression)

Simple, structured, noncompetitive activities to promote socialization.

Bipolar disorder

Mood disorder with manic/hypomanic episodes; mania includes elevated/irritable mood, overactivity, pressured speech.

Mania

High energy, reduced need for sleep, grandiosity, and risky behaviors.

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD)

Depression in fall/winter treated with daily light therapy.

Lithium

Mood stabilizer with a narrow therapeutic range (0.6–1.2 mEq/L); monitor levels and watch for toxicity.

Lithium toxicity signs

Polyuria and polydipsia can indicate toxicity; require serum level check.

Hypomania

Elevated mood with increased activity and confidence but without severe impairment.

Postpartum depression

Persistent sadness and inability to care for self or baby; requires prompt intervention.

MAOI hypertensive crisis with tyramine

Dangerous rise in blood pressure when MAO inhibitors are taken with tyramine-rich foods.

Dysthymia (persistent depressive disorder)

Chronic depressed mood for at least 2 years without major depressive episodes.

Valproic acid (valproate) jaundice

Hepatotoxicity risk; monitor liver enzymes and seek prompt medical evaluation.

Jaundice with valproic acid

Sign of hepatotoxicity; requires medical evaluation.

Fluoxetine (SSRI) onset

SSRIs typically take 2–4 weeks for full therapeutic effects; continue medication consistently.

Serotonin and norepinephrine in mood

Neurotransmitters involved in mood regulation and affect.

Cyclothymia

Chronic mood disorder with numerous periods of hypomanic and mild depressive symptoms for at least 2 years.