Select a Community
Are you sure you want to trigger topic in your Anconeus AI algorithm?
You are done for today with this topic.
Would you like to start learning session with this topic items scheduled for future?
Atrophy of the frontotemporal lobes
0%
0/47
Atrophy of the hippocampus
2%
1/47
Decreased level of serotonin
43%
20/47
Enlargement of the ventricles
9%
4/47
Increased activity of the caudate
40%
19/47
Select Answer to see Preferred Response
This patient has obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) as demonstrated by his recurring intrusive thoughts (e.g., family members will die) and repetitive actions (e.g., dividing his food into multiples of 5). OCD is thought to be associated with dysfunction and increased activity of the caudate nucleus. OCD is characterized by obsessions (e.g., recurrent intrusive thoughts, images, or urges) and compulsions (e.g., repetitive mental or behavioral acts). By performing such compulsions, the individual often feels a sense of “completeness." The disease typically presents during childhood or adolescence and persists throughout life. The disease is multifactorial in pathogenesis, with contributions from both genetic and environmental factors. Patient presentation varies in frequency and severity and the specific obsessions and compulsions also differ among individuals. Some common symptoms/compulsions include cleaning, symmetry, harm, or forbidden/taboo thoughts. Treatment involves cognitive behavioral therapy in conjunction with medications such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or clomipramine. Incorrect Answers: Answer 1: Atrophy of the frontotemporal lobes may be seen in Pick disease or frontotemporal dementia. Patients often present with early changes in personality and behavior. Answer 2: Atrophy of the hippocampus may be seen in Alzheimer disease, which is the most common cause of dementia in the elderly. Patients often have widespread cortical atrophy, especially at the hippocampus. Answer 3: Decreased level of serotonin is one of the postulated pathogenesis of depression. Depression is characterized by at least 5 of the 9 diagnostic criteria (sleep disturbance, loss of interest, guilt, low energy, difficulty concentrating, appetite/weight loss, psychomotor retardation, and suicidal ideations) lasting more than 2 weeks. Answer 4: Enlargement of the ventricles can be seen in patients with schizophrenia, which is a chronic mental disorder characterized by delusions and hallucinations. This patient understands that his actions are “unreasonable” and is not experiencing hallucinations or delusions. Bullet Summary: Obsessive-compulsive disorder is associated with increased activity at the caudate nucleus.
2.6
(15)
Please Login to add comment