NUR 448

Biological Basis for Understanding Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing

Functions of the Brain

Monitor external world

Monitor composition of body fluids

Regulate skeletal muscle contractions

Regulate internal organs

Initiate/regulate basic drives

Conscious sensation

Memory

Mood

Thought

Regulate sleep cycle

Language

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3-3

Activities of neurons

(Fig. 3-2)(Fig. 3-2)

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Brain Imaging Techniques

Computed Tomography (CT) 3D images using computed x-rays Detects:

- Lesions- Infarcts- Aneurysms- Cortical atrophy- Ventricular enlargement

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Brain Imaging Techniques, cont.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) 3D visualization using a magnetic field and computed

radio waves emitted by cells Detects:

- Edema- Ischemia- Infection- Neoplasia- Trauma- Enlarged ventricles

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Brain Imaging Techniques, cont.

Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Injected radioactive tracer travels to brain,

concentrates in areas of high activity Scanned images are relayed to a computer for 3D

images

Single Photon Emission Tomography (SPET) Technique similar to PET but uses radio nuclides

emitting gamma radiation Detects oxygen utilization, glucose metabolism, blood

flow, neurotransmitter-receptor interaction

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3-7

PET scan: Schizophrenia

(Fig. 3-5)(Fig. 3-5)

From Karen Berman, MD, courtesy of National Institute of Mental Health, Clinical Brain Disorders Branch.

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PET scan: Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

(Fig. 3-6)(Fig. 3-6)

From Lewis Baxter, MD, University of Alabama, courtesy of National Institute of Mental Health.

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NormalControl

ObsessiveCompulsive

3-9

PET scan: Depression

(Fig. 3-7)(Fig. 3-7)

From Mark George, MD, courtesy of National Institute of Mental Health Biological Psychiatry Branch.

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PET scan: Alzheimer’s

(Fig. 3-8)(Fig. 3-8)

Courtesy of PET Imaging Center, Department of Radiology, University of Iowa Hospital Clinics, Iowa City.

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3-11

Neurotransmitter deficiency

(Fig. 3-9)(Fig. 3-9)

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Neurotransmitter excess

3-12

(Fig. 3-10)(Fig. 3-10)

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Neurotransmitters and Mental Health

Dopamine Increase: schizophrenia, mania Decrease: depression, Parkinson’s Disease

Norepinephrine Increase: mania, anxiety states, schizophrenia Decrease: depression

Serotonin Increase: anxiety states Decrease: depression

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Neurotransmitters and Mental Health, cont.

GABA Increase: reduced anxiety Decrease: anxiety disorders, schizophrenia

Acetylcholine Increase: depression Decrease: Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease,

Huntington’s chorea

Histamine Decrease: depression

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Antipsychotics: Untoward Effects

Dopamine Blockage Movement changes

- Parkinsonian- Akinesia- Akathisia- Tardive dyskinesia

Decreased prolactin

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Antipsychotics: Untoward Effects, cont.

Muscarinic Blockage Blurred Vision Dry mouth Constipation Urinary difficulty

Alpha 1 Antagonism Orthostatic hypotension Ejaculatory failure

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3-17

Antidepressants: Possible effects of receptor binding

(Fig. 3-11)(Fig. 3-11)

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3-18

Actions of Benzodiazepines

(Fig. 3-13)(Fig. 3-13)

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3-19

Action of Buspirone

(Fig. 3-14)(Fig. 3-14)

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