neur1202-final-summary-of-the-second-half-of-the-course-non-cumulative-exam-focuses-on-specific

NEUR1202 Final - Neuroscience of Mental Health and Psychiatric Disease

Overview of second half of the course focused on neuroscience aspects of mental health and psychiatric disorders.
Non-cumulative exam format.

Definition: Developmental disorder characterized by persistent patterns of inattention and/or hyperactivity.
- Clinically significant impact at school, home, and socially; symptoms must start before age 12.
Symptoms:
- Inattention: difficulty sustaining attention; careless mistakes.
- Hyperactivity: excessive motor activity (e.g., fidgeting, talkativeness).
- Impulsivity: hasty actions without thought (e.g., running into traffic).
Associated Issues: Social rejection, academic struggles, and comorbid disorders (e.g., Autism, OCD).
Cultural Impact: Diagnostic criteria focused on North American norms may not apply culturally diverse contexts.
Comorbidity: Commonly occurs with Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Tic Disorder, Anxiety, Mood Disorders (2/3 of cases).
Genetic Factors: 80% genetic influence; dopamine transporter gene mutations linked to ADHD.
Environmental Factors: Prenatal exposure (e.g., smoking) influences risk.
Neurophysiological Tests: Stanford Marshmallow Experiment and Iowa Gambling Task reveal impulse control challenges.
Dual Pathway Model: ADHD linked to issues in both executive function and reward pathways.

Neuroimaging: Shows brain volume abnormalities in ADHD; involved regions include the prefrontal cortex, cerebellum, etc.
Medications: 70-90% efficacy with psychostimulants (e.g., Ritalin, Adderall); adjusted dosing critical for effectiveness.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): DSM-5 criteria highlights communication and social interaction impairments and restricted interests.
- Impairments evident by age 2; often after normal early development.
Core Challenges in ASD:
- Communication difficulties (1/3 non-verbal).
- Social interaction issues; Theory of Mind deficits.
- Repetitive behaviors (e.g., hand-flapping).

Genetic Factors: High heritability rate; numbers of involved genes suggest complex interactions.
Environmental Risk: Maternal diet and substance use during pregnancy, air pollution, etc.
Immune System and Gut Microbiota: Links between gastrointestinal health and autism symptoms.
Extreme Male Brain Theory: Suggests systemic differences in brain function linked to observed sex ratios in ASD diagnoses.

Empathic Function: Differences in mirror neuron systems; social cognition impacted.
ABA Therapy: Focuses on improving social skills using behavioral reinforcement.
Drugs for ADHD and Autism: ADHD drugs mimicking catecholamines; Autism treatment remains complex.

Concept of Addiction: Affects 4% of the population, focusing on reward pathways.
Self-Stimulation Studies: Rat experiments on intracranial self-stimulation as a model for addiction.
Reward Circuitry: Highlighted as crucial in understanding addiction mechanisms.

Cannabis Effects: Differentiating effects based on THC and CBD; associated health issues.

Positive vs Negative Symptoms: Hallucinations, delusions characterized as positive; deficits noted as negative symptoms.
Cognitive Symptoms: Include disorganized memory and thought processes.

Diagnosis Criteria: Using DSM-5, emphasis on symptom persistence and impact on functionality.
Brain Structure Changes: Enlarged ventricles and hippocampal alterations observed.
Antipsychotics: Efficacy linked to dopamine receptor antagonism.

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD): Prevalent mood disorder; causal links to environmental and biological factors.

Genetic Influences: Family history increases likelihood.
Monoamine and Glucocorticoid Hypotheses: Neurotransmitter activity and stress response regulation contributing to depressive symptoms.

Types of Bipolar Disorder: Differentiating between mania and hypomania phases.
Treatment Strategies: Pharmacotherapy and behavioral therapies.

Types of Anxiety Disorders: Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Panic Disorder, etc.
Treatment Modalities: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Pharmacotherapy options.

PTSD Mechanisms: Stressore response and memory consolidation interplay in diagnosing PTSD.
Pharmacological Treatments: Including beta-blockers and their mechanisms.

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD): Definition and symptoms; treatment approaches.
Body Dysmorphic Disorder: Understanding and treatment approaches including cognitive-behavioral methods.

Stages of Sleep: REM vs Non-REM characteristics and their significance.
Sleep-Related Disorders: Insomnia and the effects of sleep deprivation on mental health.

Therapies for Insomnia: Discussing pharmacotherapy and CBT approaches for treatment.