EPPP PSYCHOLOGY LICENSING EXAM
STUDY GUIDE 2025
Biological Bases of Behavior
Postconcussion Syndrome
• Postconcussion syndrome is characterized by symptoms
such as irritability, fatigue, and headaches, which can
persist for weeks or months after a concussion.
• It is important to recognize these symptoms as they can
significantly impact a person's daily functioning and quality
of life.
• Case studies show that individuals with postconcussion
syndrome may experience cognitive difficulties, emotional
disturbances, and physical symptoms.
• The condition is often diagnosed based on patient history
and symptom reporting, as there are no definitive tests for
it.
• Treatment may include cognitive therapy, medication for
headaches, and lifestyle modifications to manage
symptoms.
Brain Wave Patterns
• During relaxed wakefulness, alpha brain waves
predominate, indicating a state of calm and alertness.
, • Alpha waves are associated with a relaxed yet alert state,
often seen in meditation and light sleep.
• Understanding brain wave patterns is crucial in fields like
neuropsychology and cognitive therapy, as they relate to
mental states and behaviors.
• EEG studies have shown that alpha waves can be enhanced
through relaxation techniques, which may benefit
individuals with anxiety.
Understanding Prozac and Its Effects
• Prozac, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), is
primarily used to treat depression and anxiety disorders, but
it does not typically cause anticholinergic side effects.
• It is effective in treating obsessive-compulsive disorder
(OCD) and has been used for eating disorders, highlighting
its versatility in psychiatric treatment.
• The mechanism of action involves increasing serotonin
levels in the brain, which can improve mood and reduce
anxiety.
• Case studies show varying responses to Prozac,
emphasizing the need for personalized treatment plans.
• Historical context: Prozac was one of the first SSRIs
introduced in the late 1980s, revolutionizing the treatment
of depression and anxiety disorders.
, • Understanding the side effects and contraindications of
medications like Prozac is essential for safe clinical
practice.
Understanding the Corpus Callosum
• The corpus callosum is a bundle of neural fibers connecting
the left and right hemispheres of the brain, facilitating
interhemispheric communication.
• Severing the corpus callosum can lead to split-brain
syndrome, where each hemisphere can function
independently, affecting perception and motor skills.
• In a split-brain patient, objects presented in the left visual
field (processed by the right hemisphere) can be identified
by touch but not verbally named, as language is typically
localized in the left hemisphere.
• Case Study: Patients like Roger Sperry's subjects
demonstrated how severing the corpus callosum affects
cognitive functions and behavior, leading to unique insights
into lateralization of brain functions.
• Example: If a patient sees an object in their left visual field,
they can pick it up with their left hand but may not be able
to verbally identify it, illustrating the disconnect between
hemispheres.
Medical Conditions Related to Behavior
, • Grave's disease is an autoimmune disorder that leads to
hyperthyroidism, causing symptoms like trembling,
sweating, and weight loss.
• Understanding the physiological basis of these symptoms is
crucial for diagnosis and treatment, highlighting the
interplay between biology and behavior.
• Historical context: The recognition of thyroid disorders
dates back to ancient medicine, but modern understanding
has evolved significantly since the 19th century.
• Example: A patient with Grave's disease may exhibit
anxiety and restlessness, which can be mistaken for
psychological disorders without proper medical evaluation.
Neuroleptic Drugs and Side Effects
• Traditional neuroleptic drugs are primarily used to treat
schizophrenia and can lead to side effects like parkinsonian
symptoms.
• Example: Patients may experience tremors or rigidity as a
result of medication.
• Research shows that all neuroleptics can potentially cause
tardive dyskinesia, a serious movement disorder.
• Case Study: A patient experiencing involuntary movements
may require a change in medication to manage side effects
effectively.
• Treatment strategies may include adjusting dosages or
switching to atypical antipsychotics with fewer side effects.
STUDY GUIDE 2025
Biological Bases of Behavior
Postconcussion Syndrome
• Postconcussion syndrome is characterized by symptoms
such as irritability, fatigue, and headaches, which can
persist for weeks or months after a concussion.
• It is important to recognize these symptoms as they can
significantly impact a person's daily functioning and quality
of life.
• Case studies show that individuals with postconcussion
syndrome may experience cognitive difficulties, emotional
disturbances, and physical symptoms.
• The condition is often diagnosed based on patient history
and symptom reporting, as there are no definitive tests for
it.
• Treatment may include cognitive therapy, medication for
headaches, and lifestyle modifications to manage
symptoms.
Brain Wave Patterns
• During relaxed wakefulness, alpha brain waves
predominate, indicating a state of calm and alertness.
, • Alpha waves are associated with a relaxed yet alert state,
often seen in meditation and light sleep.
• Understanding brain wave patterns is crucial in fields like
neuropsychology and cognitive therapy, as they relate to
mental states and behaviors.
• EEG studies have shown that alpha waves can be enhanced
through relaxation techniques, which may benefit
individuals with anxiety.
Understanding Prozac and Its Effects
• Prozac, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), is
primarily used to treat depression and anxiety disorders, but
it does not typically cause anticholinergic side effects.
• It is effective in treating obsessive-compulsive disorder
(OCD) and has been used for eating disorders, highlighting
its versatility in psychiatric treatment.
• The mechanism of action involves increasing serotonin
levels in the brain, which can improve mood and reduce
anxiety.
• Case studies show varying responses to Prozac,
emphasizing the need for personalized treatment plans.
• Historical context: Prozac was one of the first SSRIs
introduced in the late 1980s, revolutionizing the treatment
of depression and anxiety disorders.
, • Understanding the side effects and contraindications of
medications like Prozac is essential for safe clinical
practice.
Understanding the Corpus Callosum
• The corpus callosum is a bundle of neural fibers connecting
the left and right hemispheres of the brain, facilitating
interhemispheric communication.
• Severing the corpus callosum can lead to split-brain
syndrome, where each hemisphere can function
independently, affecting perception and motor skills.
• In a split-brain patient, objects presented in the left visual
field (processed by the right hemisphere) can be identified
by touch but not verbally named, as language is typically
localized in the left hemisphere.
• Case Study: Patients like Roger Sperry's subjects
demonstrated how severing the corpus callosum affects
cognitive functions and behavior, leading to unique insights
into lateralization of brain functions.
• Example: If a patient sees an object in their left visual field,
they can pick it up with their left hand but may not be able
to verbally identify it, illustrating the disconnect between
hemispheres.
Medical Conditions Related to Behavior
, • Grave's disease is an autoimmune disorder that leads to
hyperthyroidism, causing symptoms like trembling,
sweating, and weight loss.
• Understanding the physiological basis of these symptoms is
crucial for diagnosis and treatment, highlighting the
interplay between biology and behavior.
• Historical context: The recognition of thyroid disorders
dates back to ancient medicine, but modern understanding
has evolved significantly since the 19th century.
• Example: A patient with Grave's disease may exhibit
anxiety and restlessness, which can be mistaken for
psychological disorders without proper medical evaluation.
Neuroleptic Drugs and Side Effects
• Traditional neuroleptic drugs are primarily used to treat
schizophrenia and can lead to side effects like parkinsonian
symptoms.
• Example: Patients may experience tremors or rigidity as a
result of medication.
• Research shows that all neuroleptics can potentially cause
tardive dyskinesia, a serious movement disorder.
• Case Study: A patient experiencing involuntary movements
may require a change in medication to manage side effects
effectively.
• Treatment strategies may include adjusting dosages or
switching to atypical antipsychotics with fewer side effects.
