PSY 350

Week 5, Discussion 1

SCHIZOPHRENIA AND SMOKING

After reading Chapter 11 and 12 in your course text and the article “Considering the Definition of Addiction” which covers the biological basis of emotion, addition (substance abuse disorder), and disordered behavior, analyze the high rate of smoking in those diagnosed with schizophrenia compared to the general population.  Why are smoking cessation interventions less successful in these individuals?  Review the accepted mechanisms of tobacco abuse and dependence and the etiologic theories of schizophrenia.  What are the biological and/or psychological mechanisms between schizophrenia and smoking?  Include information of brain structures, pathways, neurotransmitters/receptors, and psychological factors when discussing the topic areas above.  Additional emphasis should be placed on relating the underlying pathology of schizophrenia to tobacco dependence/abuse and the biological or psychological mechanism of the observed association of smoking behavior to the diagnosis of schizophrenia (

In keeping with the focus of this class, the emphasis should be placed on the role of neurotransmitter and receptor systems, neuroanatomical structures, and neurological functional pathways.

  Week 5, Discussion 2

TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY

After reading Chapter 13 of your course text and viewing Brain injuries and Fix Me: Unlocking the Possibilities of Stem Cell Research, which cover brain injury and repair, analyze the clinical, biological, and psychological factors that are important in successful brain function recovery outcomes.  How can the brain repair itself or restore lost function after TBI or other brain damage (focus on the concept of neuroplasticity)?  Wilson (2012) lists ways that the brain can repair itself, but reminds us later in the chapter that, in most areas of the brain, replication of neurons by mitosis to replace lost/dead neurons only occurs in immature brains (i.e., essentially those younger than age two).  There are some areas (e.g., the hippocampus, which is responsible for memory) that have neurogenesis, but other areas of the brain must utilize neuroplasticity to restore lost function.

In addition, discuss what clinical, biological, and psychological factors are important in successful brain function recovery outcomes.  What are some clinical interventions (e.g., medication, surgery, stem cell therapy, physical therapy, occupational therapy, rehabilitation techniques, and psychotherapy) that help facilitate the restoration of lost brain function?  Include information on brain structures, pathways, neurotransmitters/receptors, and psychological factors when discussion the topic area above.  Additional emphasis should be placed on relating the underlying pathology of brain trauma and damage to the actual biologic mechanism of how various treatments support repair and restoration of function.

1.         Analyze the clinical, biological, and psychological factors that are important in successful brain             function recovery outcomes.

2.         How can the brain repair itself or restore lost function after TBI or other brain damage (Focus on             the concept of neuroplasticity).

3.         What are some clinical interventions (e.g., medication, surgery, stem cell therapy, physical             therapy, occupational therapy, rehabilitation techniques, and psychotherapy) that help facilitate             the restoration of lost brain function

4.         Include information on brain structures, pathways, neurotransmitters/receptors and psychological             factors