Final Exam

Question 1

Define schizophrenia

Answer 1

a disorder that is classified by symptoms of bizarre disturbances in thought, paranoid and grand delusions, auditory hallucinations, and an odd array of emotional changes. Bleuler identified the key symptom as dissociative thinking.

Question 2

original theories of cause of schizophrenia

Answer 2

believed disorder began during adolescence and then moves to chronic cognitive impairment, genetic contribution is about 48% (monozygotic), so therefore some other factors must cause schizophrenia.

Question 3

changes that occur with an individual with schizophrenia (2)

Answer 3

1. ventricular enlargement due to tissue disintegration meaning there is neurodegeneration. 2. limbic system abnormalities = pyramidal cells in hippocampus are disorganized.

Question 4

new theories of schizophrenia (3)

Answer 4

1. hypofrontality hypothesis = prefrontal cortex when challenged doesn’t show reaction meaning it is quiet (evidence from Wisconsin card sorting task – could tell you about the rule but cant actually behave following that rule). 2. Dopamine hypothesis = excess dopamine activity root cause of schizophrenia, chlorpromazine dopamine antagonist for advancements of disorder, something funky with VTA to nucleus accumbens dopamine neurons. 3. Prenatal development alterations of hippocampus and amygdala. 4. Also GDE factors alter development of hippocampus and amygdala.

Question 5

Define drug addiction

Answer 5

intermittent or chronic intoxication resulting from repeated consumption of a drug leading to overpowering desire to need to take drug and obtain it at all costs, psychological and physical dependence effects, tendency to increase dose, detrimental effects on individuals.

Question 6

original theories of causes for drug addiction

Answer 6

biggest risk is obtaining the drug. Nicotine binds to specific receptor, alcohol is general doesn’t have specific receptor gaba is involved.

Question 7

new theories of causes of drug addiction

Answer 7

1. Physical dependence theory – withdrawal symptoms are too much so don’t stop. OR 2. Just like taking the drug. BUT argue that it is anticipation over acting taking the drug. ICSS experiment = get electrical activity once press lever and areas stimulated by signal are areas that mediate pleasurable affects, associated with dopamine and VTA and nucleus accumbens system. Use either 1. self administration into brain or blood (associated with increased dopamine release) or 2. CPP -> addictive drugs increase rewarding effects of electrical stimulation. Disruption of dopamine system (VTA or nucleus accumbens) reduces rewarding effects. Multiple memory system become subverted and lead to compulsive drug seeking behaviour.