1
Q
ages in which undergoes an intense period of development
A
16 - 25
2
Q
what are the last regions of the brain to fully develop?
A
those governing higher level decision making, delayed gratification and integrative cognitive functioning
3
Q
when do most mental illness first appear?
A
75% of mental illness first appear before the age of 24
4
Q
adolescence
A
period of life between 10 and 24 years
- unique period of biological, psychological and social development
5
Q
what is the most common behaviour among adolescents?
A
sensation seeking
- desire to seek novelty and take risks
6
Q
2 main systems of the nervous system
A
- CNS - brain & SC
- PNS - nerves surrounding CNS
7
Q
neurons
A
functional unit of brain
- capable of generating and transmitting electrical signals
- communicate via synaptic transmission or neurotransmission
8
Q
dendrites
A
projections of neuron that receive signals from other neurons
9
Q
axon
A
slender projection of a neuron that conducts electrical impulses (APs) away from the cell body and towards the next cell in the pathway
10
Q
myelin shealth
A
myelin (fatty substance) forms a sheath around the axon of neuron, providing a layer of insulation and increasing rate of transmission along axon
11
Q
synapse
A
when electrical impulse reaches end of axon it enters synapse (neuronal junction)
- electrical impulse is transferred from one neuron to dendrites of a second neuron
12
Q
frontal lobe
A
responsible for higher level cognitive functions and control of voluntary movement
13
Q
what is the most important area of the brain that undergoes major development?
A
the frontal lobe
14
Q
frontal lobe responsibilities
A
- planning
- goal-directed behaviour
- decision-making
- complex problem-solving
- cognitive control (suppressing impulses that may lead to negative consequences)
***integral tole in university and beyond
15
Q
risk-taking in adolescence
A
leading cause of mortality in ages 10-24
- but not all risk taking is bad, we have to take risks to learn
16
Q
when are adolescents most likely to take risks?
A
with their friends
- most fatal car accidents occur when there is a passenger in the car
- risk increases for each passenger in the car
***vulnerability and opportunity
17
Q
grey matter
A
found within the cortex of the brain
- contains neuronal cell bodies and synapse
18
Q
white matter
A
found under the cortex and within the cerebrum
- contains myelinated axons, allow neurons to communicate
19
Q
cortex
A
outermost region of the cerebrum
20
Q
cerebrum
A
larger upper part of brain
- two hemispheres
21
Q
cortical grey matter and age
A
grey matter is high in childhood, substantially decreases throughout the whole adolescents and stabilizes in mid-20’s
22
Q
how much does grey matter volume decrease during adolescence?
A
1.5% annually
23
Q
what areas of brain develop latest?
A
frontal and prefrontal lobe
- decision making, planning, etc.
24
Q
cerebral white matter volume and age
A
white matter increases with age
- volume increases by 1% each year during adolescence
25
when does brain development peak?
early to middle adulthood
26
myelination
increases speed of signal transmission along an axon
27
what 2 factors cause an increase in WM and decrease in GM during adolescents?
1. myelination
2. axonal growth
28
why do myelination and axonal growth increase WM and decrease GM during adolescents?
the human brain doesn't really grow in volume after 8 or 9 years old
- so brain stays same size, but internal composition changes
29
synaptic pruning
eliminates excess synapses
- in prefrontal cortex, synaptic pruning continues right throughout adolescents into 20-30's
- partly dependent on environment
30
what does synaptic pruning cause?
a small decrease in GM
31
changes occuring in the brain during early adulthood
1. increased synaptic pruning
2. increased myelination
3. improved connectivity
32
Increased synaptic pruning
process where extra neurons and synaptic connections are eliminated in order to increase the efficiency of neuronal transmission
33
increased myelination
myelination
- occurs throughout childhood and into period of accelerated growth seen during late teens, early 20's
***human are born with little to no myelin in CNS
34
improved connectivity
results in larger and more widely distributed neural networks
- critical for a variety of higher level functions such as learning new complex information, integrating new learning, and applying it (essay, exam, etc.)
35
why is the brain more sensitive to a wide ranges of exposures during adolescents?
it is undergoing rapid growth and remodelling
36
substance use
refers to the use of a psychoactive substance
- caffeine, alcohol, cannabis, and other illicit drugs
37
psychoactive substance
affects brain function
38
illicit drugs
highly addictive and illegal substances, such as cocaine, 3, 4-Methylenedioxy methamphetamine (MDMA), molly, or ecstacy
39
substance misuse
use of psychoactive substance in a way that causes concern and/or elevates the risk of reduced well-being and poor mental health
40
substance misuse examples
- regular/excess use, or use when should be in class, or working
- use of meds for purpose other than prescribed (ADHD)
- using meds in higher dose or frequency than prescribed
- binge drinking or drinking a lot in short period of time
41
substance use disorder
clinically significant abuse or dependency
- includes psychological (impaired control) and physiological (withdrawal and tolerance) aspects of addiction
- more diagnostic criteria, the more severe
42
disorder criteria for substance use
- worsening physical health and/or mental health (low interest, depression, feeling sick, low energy)
- failure to meet responsibilities (attending class)
- associated loses (academic failure)
- problems in relationships
43
mental health concerns and disorder with substance use during adolescents
substance use can contribute to development of mental health problems
- poor sleep, anxiety, depression and psychosis
-increase likelihood of substance use in turn
44
psychosis
condition affecting the way your brain processes information
- causes you to lose touch with reality
- might see, hear, or believe things that aren't real
***symptom not illness
45
when do most substance misuse and use disorders arise?
after starting university
- alcohol used most
46
alcohol and brain function
acts primarily on the CNS
- functions as a depressant - slows down neural processes and communication
- causes disinhibition of normal behaviour
- disruptions in normal decision-making, slowing of thinking and responding and trouble with motor coordination
47
binge drinking
consumption of excess alcohol at one point in time
- 4 or more drinks for females, 5 or more drinks for males
48
negative outcomes associated with binge drinking
- risk of physical harm (injured or accident)
- blackouts, or forgetting what happened
- hangovers
- poor academic performance
**occasional BG = substance misuse, regular BG = substance abuse
49
percent of students reported binge drinking in 2016
30%
50
percent of students reported blackouts in 2016
29%
51
percent of students reported regretting something during drinking in 2016
38%
52
percent of students reported sustaining a drinking-related injury in 2016
18%
53
percent of students reported having unprotected sex while drinking in 2016
24%
54
how much alcohol can your liver metabolize every hour?
1 ounce of alcohol
- equivalent to 2/3 of a standard size shot
55
short-term effects of alcohol
- slow brain activity = slurred speech, unsteady balance, slowed physical and mental reaction time, confusion and poor judgement
- poor quality sleep
- nausea and irritated stomach
- diarrhea
- dehydration
- heart palpitation
56
BAC biological and neurocognitive effects
affect the doperminergic system and Gamma-aminobutyric acis (GABA) and Glutamate systems
- too much alcohol can lead to hangover, then stupor, coma and death
57
dopaminergic system
pathway in CNS involving the neurotransmitter dopamine, critical for controlling...
- voluntary movement
- our reward system
- motivation
- working memory
- regulation of emotions
58
GABA and Glutamate Systems
major neurotransmitters in brain
- inhibitory GABA and excitatory glutamate work together to control many processes, including brains overall levels of excitation
59
long-term effects of alcohol
shrinks key areas of the brain for memory and reasoning
- arrhythmias
- weakened immune system
- disease of liver, pancreas, and stomach
- some forms cancer
- alcoholic dementia
60
arrhythmias
condition where heart beats with an irregular or abnormal rhythm
61
cannabis
psychoactive drug from sativa plant
- contains over 11 cannabinoids (naturally occurring compound in sativa plant)
62
cannabis and effects on CNS
acts on CNS but has variable effects depending on ratio of active ingredients such as CBD and TCH (hallucinogenic properties)
63
what % of Queen's students reported using cannabis at least once a month?
24%
64
endocannabinoid system
involved in appetite, pain, immune system, temperature and pH control, concentration and well-being
- system where endogenous cannabinoids that act on receptors in the body promote normal functioning
***cannabis use, disrupts normal function of this system
65
cannabinoids
act as chemical messengers when bound to CB1 and CB2 receptors
66
what does the endocannabinoid system help maintain?
homeostasis
67
cannabinoid secreted naturallt by our body
anandamide
- forms the endocannabinoid system in our body
68
effects of cannabis
- increase risk of worsening or new onset of mental health problems
- decreased cognitive efficiency, memory, reaction time and motivation
***effects amplified if use starts in adolescents and with alcohol or other substances
69
regular use of cannabis physical effects
increased risk of...
- CVD
- COPD
- some forms cancer
70
CBD therapeutic benefits
- counterbalancing effects of THC
- alleviating pain, movement disorders, nausea, and having a calming effect
- treat nausea associated with chemo
- increase appetite in HIV patients
- treat forms of chronic or neuropathic pain
71
stimulants
class of drugs that increase activity of the brain
- act on receptors in brain to either block the re-uptake or stimulate release of neurotransmitters such as dopamine (reward), increasing their effects
72
re-uptake
re-absorption of a secreted substance after it has been performed its function
73
most common stimulant
caffeine
74
reasons for caffeine use
- feel awake
- prevent/relieve drowsiness
- improve concentration and academic performance
- social aspects of consumption
- improve energy and mood
- reduce stress
75
positive effects of caffeine
moderate doses (1-2 reg size cup) can increase well-being, happiness, energy, alertness and sociability
76
acceptable amount of caffeine
- adolescents should not consume more than 100mg of caffeine per day (1 reg cup) due to sensitivity of developing brain
- adults should limit consumption to no more than 400mg/day (4 reg cups)
77
average half life of caffeine
5 hours
- do not consume after 5 pm of you do not want to negatively impact sleep
78
half-life
time required for concentration of a starting dose in body to decrease by half
79
negative effects of caffiene
high doses = anxiety, jitteriness, and upset stomach
- can have reverse effect and cause restlessness, nervousness, inattention/distractibility, irritable mood, insomnia and sleep disruption and lower energy
80
common caffeine withdrawal symptoms
- headache
- heart rate increase
- changes in BP
- shakiness
- reduced cognitive function
81
medications commonly mis-used by younger people
stimulants and other illicit drugs
- amphetamines
- modavigil
- methylphenidate
82
purpose of university students using non-medical prescription drugs
- improve academic performance and social life
- cope with stress
- recreation or down-time
83
do ADHD meds help those academically for those who do not have ADHD
NO, does not improve academic performance unless you have ADHD
84
potential harms of misusing stimulants
- cardiovascular events
- increased risk behaviours
- poorer well-being
- anxiety and agitation
- poor concentration
- sleep problems
85
illicit drugs used by university students
1. ketamine
2. MDMA
3. cocaine
86
ketamine
substance with very powerful anaesthetic effects
- mainly used today as vet medicine as a general anesthetic for animals
87
common names for ketamine
- special K
- vitamin K
- donkey dust
88
ketamine recreational effects
range from causing feelings of relaxation and happiness to feeling dream-like and detached
- can cause altered perception of time and hallucination
**due to crystals, impossible to tell if it has been laced
89
effects of ketamine
anaesthetic = reduced sensation in body which can lead to injury
- powerful dissociative effects, if taken too much can lose ability t mov and respond to environment (body and mind separated)
- feeling referred to as k-hole (scary)
90
MDMA
synthetic drug that is chemically similar to hallucinogens and stimulants
- produces feeling of increased energy, pleasure, warmth and distorted sensory and time perception
- affects dopamine, serotonin, ad norepinephrine in the brain
- can be laced (fentanyl)
91
common names of MDMA
- ecstacy
- molly
92
effects of MDMA
single use can cause unpleasant feelings and withdrawal
- nausea, muscle cramps, blurred vision, faintness, chills, sweats, trouble concentrating
93
harmful effects of MDMA even with limited use
- irritable mood
- aggression
- depression and anxiety
-sleep problems
- memory and attention problems
- decreased appetite and pleasure
94
cocaine
highly addictive stimulant that derives from coca plant
- primarily effects level of neurochemical dopamine in the brain
- after taking drug, experience flood of dopamine causing feeling of pleasure and energy, training brain to want more cause after the "high" there is a "crash" with a feeling of fatigue and low/irritable mood
95
common names for cocaine
- crack
- blow
- coke
- rock
- snow
96
effects of cocaine
with repeated use, cocaine disrupts dopamine circuits making it hard to enjoy normal life
- tolerance builds and withdrawal symptoms
- using cocaine with other substances can cause sudden cardiac death
97
cocaine withdrawal symptoms
- depression
- restlessness
- disrupted sleep
- slowed thinking
- feeling tired
- increased appetite
98
why are drugs bad to take during adolescents?
our brains are not fully developed
- influence how your brain is developed causing long-term effects
99
substance use and mental health
substance use is highly co-morbid with mental health conditions
- 1/2 of those who have a substance use disorder will also experience mental illness, vice versa
100
substance use disorder
clinically significant abuse or dependency which includes psychological (impaired control) and physiological (tolerance & withdrawal) aspects of addiction
101
mental illness that are often co-morbid with substance use disorder
- ADHD
- anxiety
- depression
- bipolar disorder
- schizophrenia
102
relationship between substance use and mental health
bidirectional
- substance use is considered a risk factor increasing likelihood of mental health problems
- also considered a consequence of mental health problems - may be used to self-medicate or cope
103
effects of substance use during adolescents and early adulthood
- addictions
- mental health symptoms - anxiety, intrusive thoughts, sleep disturbances, depression
- alcohol/drug use behaviours with expectation of relief, compulsive eating, gambling, gaming
- temporary lowered state of anxiety and distress
- increased us of substances (or behaviour) to regulate distress
104
substance use impact on frontal lobe
frontal lobe is still developing during early adulthood
- responsible for planning, goal-directed behaviour, decision making, etc.
- controls the amygdala
- substance misuse disrupts development and is associated with negative academic outcomes
105
persistent substance use and the brain
brain physically changes - shrinks and ability to process information is damaged
- affects the limbic system
106
limbic system
region of the brain that supports emotions, behaviour, motivation, long-term memory and olfaction
107
substance use and limbic system
when person drinks alcohol or does drugs, the limbic system omits dopamine (feel good)
- prolonged abuse causes the limbic system to limit output of dopamine
- this causes the reward system to receive little input, and the person will have a hard time experiencing pleasure of any kind
108
substance use and the frontal lobe
frontal lobe shrinks and loses its ability to function properly
- cannot control impulse to drink or take drugs
109
amygdala
emotional center of the brain
110
substance use and the amygdala
with substance use the frontal lobe loses its function and therefore cannot control the amygdala
- this causes the amygdala to become oversensitive to stress (panic and worry)
111
substance use and grey cells
thinking and feeling
112
substance use and white cells
connection and communication between grey cells
-substance use kills white cells, severing communication pathways between the grey cells
113
how can the brain rewire communication pathways between grey cells?
use the remaining white cells that were not killed
- requires abstinence and time
114
does stopping alcohol and drugs allow recovery of the brain?
yes the brain can fully recover
115
what does regular use of high potency cannabis increase risk of?
psychosis
- risk increases when cannabis is used frequently (daily use)
116
what age does use of cannabis increase risk of psychosis?
before 16
117
family history and psychosis due to cannabis
persons with a family history of psychosis or schizophrenia who use cannabis are at increased risk of developing psychosis
118
methods to reduce risk associated with substance use
1. minimize frequency of use (especially during period of critical brain development)
2. use modest amounts (ex. avoid binge drinking)
3. educate yourself
4. be aware (be confident it is not laced)
5. plan ahead (never use substances before or during situations that require attention (driving)
119
type of product - reducing risk associated with cannabis use
choose low-strength products to reduce risks
- those with lower THC (main mind-altering ingredient) or a higher ratio of CBD to THC
- avoid high potency THC - can lead to severe health problems such as seizures, irregular heartbeat, hallucinations and death
120
biological considerations - reducing risk associated with cannabis use
use cannabis later in life, after adolescents and young adulthood to lower risk of cannabis-related health problems
- pregnant = no cannabis
121
combination - reducing risk associated with cannabis use
combining things (ex. alcohol) will increase the health-harming effects of cannabis use
122
method of intake - reducing risks associated with cannabis use
risk of developing health problems increases as frequency of use increases
- smoking is harmful to lungs
- ingesting cannabis is associated with variable absorption and elimination rates
123
signs substance use is causing impairment and is becoming misuse or abuse
1. difficulties coping with stress
2. avoids engagement
3. financial problems & legal repercussions
4. declining physical health
5. difficulties with work
6. declining mental health
7. difficulties in relationships
8. difficulties with academic stress
124
binge drinking negative outcomes
- accidents
- more vulnerable to assault
- acting out in aggression
- poorer well-being
- relationship problems
- mental health problems
- worse academic outcomes (lower engagement and lower grades)
125
CBD effects and research
some pre-clinical research suggesting that CBD is potentially helpful for anxiety in animals, BUT there is insufficient evidence in systematic human research to support use of CBD in treating anxiety or depression
126
medical use of cannabis (THC & CBD combo) - proven
- treat nausea and vomiting in those receiving chemotherapy
- stimulate appetite in HIV patients
- treatment of cancer or neuropathic pain
127
cannabis and functioning
cannabis results in significant impairment in everyday tasks
- negatively effects reaction time, object tracking, working memory, attention and decision-making
***cannot function normally
128
cannabis use during brain development
cannabis use during adolescents and early childhood may have negative effect on cognitive function - important time for brain development
- cannabis use can alter brain activation patterns, affecting memory and reducing the efficiency of processes important for academic performance
129
external cannabis and endocannabinoids
smoked, vaped or ingested cannabis
- disrupts the natural function of the endocannabinoid system and interfered with natural fine-tuning and regulation of brain development and function
130
what happens when a drug becomes legal?
a legal status makes the drug become "normal"
- makes people want to experiment with them and increases their availability
- increases likelihood of exposure for adolescents
131
cannabis and effect on endocannabinoid systen
the endocannabinoid system controls brain development, when using cannabis, it inhibits the endocannabinoid system therefore limiting development
132
stimulant medication misuse
causes:
- lower academic performance
- mental and physical health risks
133
lower academic performance associated with stimulant medication misuse
students who report stimulant medication misuse tend to have lower academic performance
134
mental and physical health risks associated with stimulant medication misuse
- psychotic disorders (schizophrenia)
- serious heart problems (heart attacks and sudden death)
135
recreational use of MDMA and cocaine
associated wth long-term toxic changes in brain function
136
MDMA effects on the brain
predicts lasting changes in serotonin, which affects a number of important functions including mood, thinking and reward processing
137
cocaine effects on the brain
cocaine use is associated with serious cardiovascular problems (heart attacks, brain bleeds, seizures)
- has a very high dependence potential (very addictive) and can be difficult to reduce or stop (addiction)
138
direct pathway in which substance use/misuse affect academic performance?
substances interfere with neurobiological and cognitive functioning
- direct exposure of toxins on the brain
139
indirect pathway in which substance use/misuse affect academic performance?
substance use can cause:
- reduction in cardiovascular exercise
- poor quality of sleep
- falling behind and missing classes
- letting go of positive friendships
IDIS 199
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