NR.110.573 Neurobiology of Mental Disorders
Final Exam Review (Qns & Ans)
2025
1. Which neurotransmitter is primarily implicated in the
pathophysiology of schizophrenia?
A. Serotonin
B. Dopamine
C. Norepinephrine
D. Acetylcholine
ANS: B. Dopamine
Rationale: Dysregulation of dopamine pathways, particularly
hyperactivity in the mesolimbic system, is strongly associated
with schizophrenia.
©2025
,2. What structural brain change is commonly observed in patients
with major depressive disorder?
A. Enlarged ventricles
B. Reduced hippocampal volume
C. Increased cortical thickness
D. Enhanced amygdala activity
ANS: B. Reduced hippocampal volume
Rationale: Studies show that chronic stress and depression
are linked to hippocampal atrophy due to elevated cortisol levels.
3. Which neurobiological mechanism is associated with the
development of anxiety disorders?
A. Increased serotonin synthesis
B. Hyperactivity of the amygdala
C. Reduced dopamine receptor sensitivity
D. Enhanced GABAergic inhibition
ANS: B. Hyperactivity of the amygdala
Rationale: The amygdala plays a central role in fear
processing, and its hyperactivity contributes to anxiety symptoms.
©2025
, 4. Which genetic factor is most commonly associated with bipolar
disorder?
A. APOE gene
B. COMT gene
C. CACNA1C gene
D. DRD4 gene
ANS: C. CACNA1C gene
Rationale: Variants in the CACNA1C gene, which encodes
calcium channels, are linked to mood regulation and bipolar
disorder.
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True/False Questions
5. Neuroplasticity refers to the brain's ability to adapt and
reorganize itself in response to injury or experience.
ANS: True
Rationale: Neuroplasticity allows the brain to form new
connections and recover from damage, playing a role in mental
health recovery.
6. Elevated levels of glutamate are associated with neurotoxicity
and cognitive decline in Alzheimer's disease.
©2025
Final Exam Review (Qns & Ans)
2025
1. Which neurotransmitter is primarily implicated in the
pathophysiology of schizophrenia?
A. Serotonin
B. Dopamine
C. Norepinephrine
D. Acetylcholine
ANS: B. Dopamine
Rationale: Dysregulation of dopamine pathways, particularly
hyperactivity in the mesolimbic system, is strongly associated
with schizophrenia.
©2025
,2. What structural brain change is commonly observed in patients
with major depressive disorder?
A. Enlarged ventricles
B. Reduced hippocampal volume
C. Increased cortical thickness
D. Enhanced amygdala activity
ANS: B. Reduced hippocampal volume
Rationale: Studies show that chronic stress and depression
are linked to hippocampal atrophy due to elevated cortisol levels.
3. Which neurobiological mechanism is associated with the
development of anxiety disorders?
A. Increased serotonin synthesis
B. Hyperactivity of the amygdala
C. Reduced dopamine receptor sensitivity
D. Enhanced GABAergic inhibition
ANS: B. Hyperactivity of the amygdala
Rationale: The amygdala plays a central role in fear
processing, and its hyperactivity contributes to anxiety symptoms.
©2025
, 4. Which genetic factor is most commonly associated with bipolar
disorder?
A. APOE gene
B. COMT gene
C. CACNA1C gene
D. DRD4 gene
ANS: C. CACNA1C gene
Rationale: Variants in the CACNA1C gene, which encodes
calcium channels, are linked to mood regulation and bipolar
disorder.
---
True/False Questions
5. Neuroplasticity refers to the brain's ability to adapt and
reorganize itself in response to injury or experience.
ANS: True
Rationale: Neuroplasticity allows the brain to form new
connections and recover from damage, playing a role in mental
health recovery.
6. Elevated levels of glutamate are associated with neurotoxicity
and cognitive decline in Alzheimer's disease.
©2025
