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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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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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
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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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Neurotransmitter deficiency
(Fig. 3-9)(Fig. 3-9)
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Neurotransmitter excess
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(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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Antidepressants: Possible effects of receptor binding
(Fig. 3-11)(Fig. 3-11)
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Actions of Benzodiazepines
(Fig. 3-13)(Fig. 3-13)
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Action of Buspirone
(Fig. 3-14)(Fig. 3-14)
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