🧠Intro to Brain and Behavior Unit 13 – Neurological & Psychiatric Disorders

What's This Unit All About?

• Explores the structure and function of the brain and nervous system
• Examines how disruptions in brain function can lead to various neurological and psychiatric disorders
• Covers common neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and epilepsy
• Delves into major psychiatric disorders including depression, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder
• Investigates the causes and risk factors associated with these disorders, including genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors
• Discusses diagnostic methods and assessment tools used to identify and evaluate neurological and psychiatric conditions
• Presents various treatment approaches, both pharmacological and non-pharmacological, for managing these disorders
• Addresses the challenges and strategies for living with neurological and psychiatric disorders, emphasizing the importance of support and coping mechanisms

Key Brain Structures and Functions

• The cerebral cortex is responsible for higher-order cognitive functions, such as perception, language, and decision-making
  • Divided into four lobes: frontal, parietal, temporal, and occipital, each with specific functions
• The limbic system plays a crucial role in emotional processing, memory formation, and motivation
  • Includes structures like the amygdala, hippocampus, and hypothalamus
• The basal ganglia are involved in motor control, learning, and executive functions
  • Consists of the striatum, globus pallidus, and substantia nigra
• The brainstem regulates vital functions such as breathing, heart rate, and sleep-wake cycles
  • Comprised of the midbrain, pons, and medulla oblongata
• The cerebellum is essential for motor coordination, balance, and fine motor skills
• Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that facilitate communication between neurons
  • Examples include dopamine, serotonin, norepinephrine, and GABA
• Neurons are the primary cells of the nervous system, responsible for transmitting and processing information

Common Neurological Disorders

• Alzheimer's disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by memory loss, cognitive decline, and changes in behavior
  • Associated with the accumulation of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in the brain
• Parkinson's disease is a movement disorder caused by the degeneration of dopamine-producing neurons in the substantia nigra
  • Symptoms include tremors, rigidity, bradykinesia, and postural instability
• Epilepsy is a neurological disorder characterized by recurrent and unprovoked seizures
  • Seizures result from abnormal electrical activity in the brain
• Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disorder that affects the central nervous system, causing inflammation and demyelination of nerve fibers
  • Leads to a wide range of symptoms, including muscle weakness, sensory disturbances, and vision problems
• Stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is disrupted, leading to cell death and neurological deficits
  • Can be ischemic (caused by a blockage) or hemorrhagic (caused by bleeding)
• Traumatic brain injury results from a sudden, external force to the head, causing damage to brain tissue
  • Severity ranges from mild concussions to severe, life-threatening injuries
• Neurodegenerative disorders involve the progressive loss of structure and function of neurons over time
  • Examples include Huntington's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and frontotemporal dementia

Major Psychiatric Disorders

• Depression is a mood disorder characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest in activities
  • Symptoms may include changes in sleep, appetite, energy levels, and concentration
• Anxiety disorders involve excessive and persistent fear, worry, or apprehension that interferes with daily functioning
  • Includes generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, phobias, and social anxiety disorder
• Schizophrenia is a severe mental disorder that affects a person's thoughts, perceptions, and behaviors
  • Symptoms include delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech and behavior, and negative symptoms (e.g., flat affect, apathy)
• Bipolar disorder is characterized by extreme mood swings between manic or hypomanic episodes and depressive episodes
  • During manic episodes, individuals may experience elevated mood, increased energy, and impulsive behavior
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) develops after exposure to a traumatic event, leading to intrusive memories, avoidance, and hyperarousal
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) involves recurrent and intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors or mental acts (compulsions)
• Eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa, involve disturbances in eating behaviors and body image perception

Causes and Risk Factors

• Genetic factors play a significant role in the development of many neurological and psychiatric disorders
  • Certain genetic variations or mutations can increase the risk of developing these conditions
• Environmental factors, such as exposure to toxins, infections, or traumatic experiences, can contribute to the onset of disorders
• Neurodevelopmental factors, including prenatal exposure to drugs or alcohol and complications during birth, can impact brain development and increase risk
• Imbalances in neurotransmitter levels or dysfunction in neurotransmitter systems are implicated in various disorders
  • For example, low levels of serotonin are associated with depression, while dopamine imbalances are linked to Parkinson's disease and schizophrenia
• Chronic stress and adverse life events can trigger or exacerbate symptoms of psychiatric disorders
• Substance abuse, including alcohol and drug use, can lead to neurological damage and increase the risk of developing psychiatric disorders
• Certain medical conditions, such as thyroid disorders or vitamin deficiencies, can cause neurological and psychiatric symptoms

Diagnosis and Assessment Methods

• Clinical interviews involve a thorough evaluation of a patient's symptoms, medical history, and family history
  • Helps to gather information and assess the severity and impact of the disorder
• Neurological examinations assess motor function, sensory function, reflexes, and cognitive abilities
  • Includes tests for coordination, balance, and muscle strength
• Neuroimaging techniques, such as MRI, CT, and PET scans, provide detailed images of brain structure and function
  • Can help identify abnormalities, lesions, or changes in brain activity associated with disorders
• Neuropsychological testing evaluates cognitive functions, such as memory, attention, language, and problem-solving skills
  • Helps to assess the extent of cognitive impairment and guide treatment planning
• Diagnostic criteria, such as the DSM-5 and ICD-11, provide standardized guidelines for diagnosing psychiatric disorders based on specific symptoms and duration
• Laboratory tests can rule out underlying medical conditions that may be causing neurological or psychiatric symptoms
  • Examples include blood tests, genetic testing, and cerebrospinal fluid analysis
• Electrophysiological studies, such as EEG and EMG, measure electrical activity in the brain and muscles
  • Can help diagnose conditions like epilepsy and neuromuscular disorders

Treatment Approaches

• Pharmacotherapy involves the use of medications to manage symptoms and improve functioning
  • Antidepressants, antipsychotics, mood stabilizers, and anticonvulsants are commonly prescribed
• Psychotherapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and interpersonal therapy, helps individuals develop coping strategies and address underlying psychological issues
• Neurostimulation techniques, including transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and deep brain stimulation (DBS), use targeted electrical or magnetic stimulation to modulate brain activity
• Behavioral interventions, such as exposure therapy and social skills training, help individuals manage specific symptoms and improve daily functioning
• Rehabilitation programs, including physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy, help individuals regain or maintain skills affected by neurological disorders
• Lifestyle modifications, such as regular exercise, a balanced diet, and stress management techniques, can support overall brain health and improve symptoms
• Complementary and alternative therapies, such as acupuncture, meditation, and herbal remedies, may be used in conjunction with conventional treatments

Living with Neurological and Psychiatric Disorders

• Educating oneself about the disorder, its symptoms, and treatment options is crucial for effective management and self-advocacy
• Developing a strong support system, including family, friends, and support groups, can provide emotional support and practical assistance
• Adhering to treatment plans, including taking medications as prescribed and attending therapy sessions, is essential for optimal outcomes
• Engaging in regular physical activity and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can improve overall well-being and manage symptoms
• Practicing stress management techniques, such as deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and mindfulness, can help reduce stress and promote emotional balance
• Seeking accommodations at work or school, such as flexible schedules or assistive technology, can help individuals maintain productivity and independence
• Participating in recreational and social activities can provide a sense of purpose, improve mood, and enhance quality of life
• Advocating for oneself and others with neurological and psychiatric disorders can help raise awareness, reduce stigma, and promote access to resources and support