PSYCH 203 EXAM 1- FOUNDATIONS OF MENTAL
HEALTH & NEUROBIOLOGY — Q&A STUDY GUIDE
1. What is believed to cause most mental illnesses?
Most mental illnesses are explained by the diathesis–stress model, which proposes
that:
A person has a biological or genetic predisposition (diathesis).
Stressful or traumatic life events act as environmental triggers.
Together, these factors alter brain chemistry and increase the likelihood of
developing a psychiatric disorder.
This model emphasizes the interaction of nature and nurture.
2. What major factors influence an individual’s mental health?
Mental health is shaped by multiple interacting factors, including:
Biological elements: brain structure and function, prenatal exposures, and medical
illnesses.
Genetic and epigenetic influences: inherited traits and gene expression changes
over time.
Environmental exposures: such as toxins, pollutants, or substance use.
Cultural background: beliefs and expectations about mental health and behavior.
Social and emotional experiences: trauma, neglect, abuse, or chronic stress.
Economic conditions: poverty, unstable housing, and lack of access to care.
,3. What is the DSM-5 and how is it used?
The DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition)
is the primary reference used by mental health professionals to diagnose
psychiatric disorders. It includes:
Diagnostic criteria
Descriptions of symptoms
Clinical characteristics that guide accurate diagnosis
This manual helps ensure consistency in diagnosing mental health conditions
worldwide.
4. What are the major parts of a neuron?
A neuron consists of several key structures:
Cell body (soma): contains the nucleus and metabolic machinery.
Dendrites: receive incoming signals from other neurons.
Axon: transmits electrical impulses to other cells.
Myelin sheath: insulates the axon to speed up signal conduction.
Schwann cells: produce myelin in the peripheral nervous system.
Synaptic terminals: release neurotransmitters.
Synapse: the junction where communication between neurons occurs.
Neurotransmitters: chemical messengers that carry signals across synapses.
5. What is reuptake in neurotransmission?
,Reuptake is the process by which the neuron that released a neurotransmitter
reabsorbs it.
If reuptake is blocked (as with certain medications), more neurotransmitter remains
available in the synapse, enhancing communication between neurons.
6. Which neurotransmitters are classified as monoamines?
Common monoamine neurotransmitters include:
Norepinephrine
Dopamine
Serotonin
7. What is the role of norepinephrine in mental health?
Norepinephrine is associated with alertness, focus, and the body’s fight-or-flight
response.
Functions: mood regulation, cognition, perception, movement, cardiovascular
activity, sleep, and arousal.
Low levels: linked to depression and ADHD.
, High levels: associated with anxiety, mania, and schizophrenia.
Clinically remembered as: No Hesitation, On Alert, Recall Memory.
8. How does dopamine affect brain function and behavior?
Dopamine influences motivation, reward, movement, and emotional regulation,
particularly in the frontal cortex.
Functions: movement coordination, emotional responses, decision-making,
judgment, and prolactin regulation.
Low levels: associated with Parkinson’s disease and depression.
High levels: linked to mania and schizophrenia.
Mnemonic: Determination, Obsession/Compulsion, Pleasure.
9. What are the key functions of serotonin?
Serotonin plays a major role in mood stability, sleep, memory, and emotional
regulation, especially involving the hippocampus.
Functions: sleep cycles, libido, appetite, mood, aggression, pain perception,
coordination, and judgment.
Low levels: associated with depression.
HEALTH & NEUROBIOLOGY — Q&A STUDY GUIDE
1. What is believed to cause most mental illnesses?
Most mental illnesses are explained by the diathesis–stress model, which proposes
that:
A person has a biological or genetic predisposition (diathesis).
Stressful or traumatic life events act as environmental triggers.
Together, these factors alter brain chemistry and increase the likelihood of
developing a psychiatric disorder.
This model emphasizes the interaction of nature and nurture.
2. What major factors influence an individual’s mental health?
Mental health is shaped by multiple interacting factors, including:
Biological elements: brain structure and function, prenatal exposures, and medical
illnesses.
Genetic and epigenetic influences: inherited traits and gene expression changes
over time.
Environmental exposures: such as toxins, pollutants, or substance use.
Cultural background: beliefs and expectations about mental health and behavior.
Social and emotional experiences: trauma, neglect, abuse, or chronic stress.
Economic conditions: poverty, unstable housing, and lack of access to care.
,3. What is the DSM-5 and how is it used?
The DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition)
is the primary reference used by mental health professionals to diagnose
psychiatric disorders. It includes:
Diagnostic criteria
Descriptions of symptoms
Clinical characteristics that guide accurate diagnosis
This manual helps ensure consistency in diagnosing mental health conditions
worldwide.
4. What are the major parts of a neuron?
A neuron consists of several key structures:
Cell body (soma): contains the nucleus and metabolic machinery.
Dendrites: receive incoming signals from other neurons.
Axon: transmits electrical impulses to other cells.
Myelin sheath: insulates the axon to speed up signal conduction.
Schwann cells: produce myelin in the peripheral nervous system.
Synaptic terminals: release neurotransmitters.
Synapse: the junction where communication between neurons occurs.
Neurotransmitters: chemical messengers that carry signals across synapses.
5. What is reuptake in neurotransmission?
,Reuptake is the process by which the neuron that released a neurotransmitter
reabsorbs it.
If reuptake is blocked (as with certain medications), more neurotransmitter remains
available in the synapse, enhancing communication between neurons.
6. Which neurotransmitters are classified as monoamines?
Common monoamine neurotransmitters include:
Norepinephrine
Dopamine
Serotonin
7. What is the role of norepinephrine in mental health?
Norepinephrine is associated with alertness, focus, and the body’s fight-or-flight
response.
Functions: mood regulation, cognition, perception, movement, cardiovascular
activity, sleep, and arousal.
Low levels: linked to depression and ADHD.
, High levels: associated with anxiety, mania, and schizophrenia.
Clinically remembered as: No Hesitation, On Alert, Recall Memory.
8. How does dopamine affect brain function and behavior?
Dopamine influences motivation, reward, movement, and emotional regulation,
particularly in the frontal cortex.
Functions: movement coordination, emotional responses, decision-making,
judgment, and prolactin regulation.
Low levels: associated with Parkinson’s disease and depression.
High levels: linked to mania and schizophrenia.
Mnemonic: Determination, Obsession/Compulsion, Pleasure.
9. What are the key functions of serotonin?
Serotonin plays a major role in mood stability, sleep, memory, and emotional
regulation, especially involving the hippocampus.
Functions: sleep cycles, libido, appetite, mood, aggression, pain perception,
coordination, and judgment.
Low levels: associated with depression.
