NEUROLOGIC CAUSES

OF MENTAL ILLNES
I. Genetics and Heredity
Current theories and studies indicate
that several mental disorders may be
linked to a specific gene or combination
of genes but that the source is not only
genetic.
Gene SORL1 variations in this gene
may be a factor in late-onset
Alzheimers disease.
II. Stress and Immune System
Examines the effect of psychosocial
stressors on the bodys immune
system.

III. Infection
Certain infections have been linked to
brain damage and the development of
mental illness or the worsening of
its symptoms.

ANTIPSYCHOTIC DRUGS
Used to treat symptoms of
psychosis: delusion, hallucination,
schizoaffective disorder, and the
manic phase of bipolar disorder
Anxiety, insomnia, aggressive
behavior, disruptive behavior in
Alzheimers disease

MECHANISM OF ACTION
DOPAMINE
1 2 3 4 5

MENTAL ILLNESS

ANTIPSYCHOTICS

SIDE EFFECTS
Extrapyramidal Side Effects (EPS)
Dystonia
Pseudoparkinsonism
Akathisia
Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome
Tardive Dyskinesia
Anticholinergic SideEffect
ANTIDEPRESSANT DRUGS
Treatment of major depressive
illness, anxiety disorders, depressed
phase of bipolar disorder, and
psychotic depression
Treatment of acute pain, migraine
headaches, peripheral and diabetic
neuropathies, sleep apnea,
dermatologic, panic and eating
disorders
TRICYCLIC
ANTIDEPRESSANTS
SIDE EFFECT
Dry mouth
Constipation
Urinary hesitancy
Dry nasal passages
Blurred near vision
SELECTIVE SEROTONIN
REUPTAKE INHIBITORS
SIDE EFFECT
Anxiety
Agitation
Akathisia
Nausea
Insmonia
Sexual dysfunction

MONOAMINE OXIDASE
INHIBITOR
SIDE EFFECT
Daytime sedation
Insomnia
Weight gain
Dry mouth
Orthostatic hypotension
Sexual dysfunction
MOOD STABILIZING DRUGS
LITHIUM most stabilized mood
stabilizer
Carbamazepine, valproic acid good
mood stabilizers

MECHANISM OF ACTION
Lithium normalizes the reuptake of
certain neurotransmitters
Carbamazepine and valproic acid
stabiize mood by inhibiting the
kindling process

SIDE EFFECT
Mild nausea or diarrhea
Anorexia
Fine hand tremor
Polydipsia
Polyuria
Metallic taste in the mouth
Fatigue or lethargy
ANTIANXIETY DRUGS
Used to treat anxiety and anxiety
disorders, insomnia, OCD,
depression, PTSD, and alcohol
withdrawal
MECHANISM OF ACTION
SIDE EFFECT
BENZODIAZEPINES
Drowsiness
Sedation
Poor coordination
Impaired memory
Clouded sensorium