Lecture Notes: Key Concepts in Psychoanalysis and Mental Health
Important Areas of Focus
- Biological basis for understanding psychiatric disorders and treatments
- Actions of neurons and synaptic changes
- Neurotransmitters: norepinephrine, serotonin, dopamine, glutamate, GABA, and acetylcholine
- Psychotropic perspectives of medication management
Neurotransmitters and Mental Health
- Norepinephrine: Associated with the fight-or-flight response, stress, and anxiety
- Serotonin: Linked to disturbances in mental health
- Dopamine: Involved in pleasure and reward mechanisms
- Glutamate and GABA: Important for brain function
- Acetylcholine: Important for dementia and organic brain syndromes
Medications
- Benzodiazepines: Used short-term for anxiety, highly addictive
- Hypnotic drugs: Used for sleep disorders, e.g., Ambien, Lunesta
- Antidepressants: SSRIs preferred due to fewer side effects, TCAs have more side effects
- Mood stabilizers: Lithium for bipolar disorder, requires monitoring
- Antipsychotics: First-generation vs. second-generation; side effects include weight gain, sedation
- ADHD: Stimulants like methylphenidate
- Alzheimer’s Disease: Medications to slow progression
Legal and Ethical Guidelines
- Types of hospital admissions: informal, voluntary, temporary, involuntary
- Patient rights: treatment, refuse treatment, informed consent
- Confidentiality: HIPAA, duty to warn
- Welfare and Institution Codes (WIC)
Disorders and Treatments
Schizophrenia
- Does not discriminate by race, culture, or status
- Positive symptoms: delusions, hallucinations
- Negative symptoms: flat affect, lack of motivation
- Neurotransmitters involved: dopamine, glutamate, serotonin
Bipolar Disorder
- Characterized by manic and depressive episodes
- Types: Bipolar I (manic episodes), Bipolar II (hypomanic episodes)
- Neurotransmitter: serotonin
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)
- Symptoms: anhedonia, fatigue, sleep changes
- Genetic factors and biochemical influences
- Treatment: SSRIs and therapeutic interventions
Anxiety and OCD
- Anxiety: normal vs. pathological manifestations
- Types: Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Panic Disorder, OCD
- Treatment: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, anxiolytics
Eating Disorders
- Anorexia Nervosa: Underweight, fear of gaining weight
- Bulimia Nervosa: Binge eating followed by purging
- Symptoms and criteria for diagnosis
Stress and Coping
- Stress response: Fight-or-flight, neuronal responses
- Stress management techniques: relaxation, exercise
- Theories by Cannon and Solay
ADHD and Autism
- ADHD: Inattention, hyperactivity; treated with stimulants
- Autism: Pervasive developmental disorder, spectrum of functional abilities
- Treatment: Early intervention, therapy
Exam Information
- Covers most topics discussed in the lecture
- Format: 50 questions with 6 bonus questions
Ensure to revise these key areas and understand the underlying mechanisms and treatment approaches for each condition, along with legal and ethical considerations in mental health practice.