Last Minute Lecture

Treating Schizophrenia — Symptoms, Causes, and Evidence-Based Treatments Explained | Chapter 12 of Essentials of Abnormal Psychology Schizophrenia is a chronic psychotic disorder marked by profound distortions in thinking, perception, emotions, and behavior. In Chapter 12 of Essentials of Abnormal Psychology , we examine the full spectrum of schizophrenia and related disorders, explore genetic and neurobiological causes, and review both pharmacological and psychosocial treatment strategies. This comprehensive guide will deepen your understanding and aid your exam preparation. Watch the Chapter Summary Prefer an audio-visual overview? Subscribe to Last Minute Lecture and watch the full Chapter 12 summary below. Symptoms & Clinical Presentation Positive Symptoms Delusions: Fixed, false beliefs resistant to contradictory evidence (e.g., persecution, Capgras syndrome). Hallucinations: Sensory experiences without external stimuli, most commonly auditory voices. ...

Understanding Psychological Disorders — Types, Causes, and Treatments Explained | Psychology Chapter 15 Summary This comprehensive summary of Chapter 15 from Principles of Psychology (13th Edition) by David G. Myers and C. Nathan DeWall explores psychological disorders — syndromes involving significant disturbances in cognition, emotion, or behavior — and their classification, causes, and treatment. Watch the full YouTube podcast summary for an in-depth understanding of mental health disorders. Models and Classification The medical model views psychological disorders as illnesses with biological causes. The biopsychosocial approach considers biological, psychological, and social-cultural influences. The DSM-5 is the primary diagnostic manual, though labeling can sometimes lead to stigma or misdiagnosis. Anxiety Disorders Include generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, phobias, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Causes...

Dysfunctions, Mental Illness & Treatments — Neuroscience for Dummies Chapter 17 Summary Welcome to another Last Minute Lecture summary! In Chapter 17 of Neuroscience for Dummies (3rd Edition) , we explore the biological basis of mental illness and modern treatments for psychiatric conditions. This episode highlights how genetic predispositions, neurotransmitter imbalances, and environmental stressors interact to cause disorders such as depression, schizophrenia, and OCD. We also cover key psychopharmacological treatments and brain stimulation therapies used to manage these conditions. What Causes Mental Illness? Mental disorders arise from a mix of genetic, neurochemical, and environmental influences . While neurotransmitters like dopamine , serotonin , and glutamate play a major role, the interaction with life stressors and trauma also shapes mental health outcomes. For example, depression is more than just low serotonin—it involves complex feedback loops and altered ...

Antipsychotic Medications and Herbal Supplements — Chapter 20 Summary from Clinical Psychopharmacology for Therapists Chapter 20 of Clinical Psychopharmacology for Therapists offers a comprehensive overview of antipsychotic medications alongside a timely discussion of dietary supplements and herbal remedies. This chapter explores the mechanisms of first- and second-generation antipsychotics and expands on the potential benefits and risks of using supplements like St. John’s Wort and kava in psychiatric care. With a strong focus on patient safety, side effect monitoring, and drug interactions, this chapter is crucial for anyone studying or practicing mental health treatment. 🎥 Watch the full video below for a podcast-style walkthrough of the material covered in Chapter 20: Antipsychotic Medications: Mechanisms and Classifications The chapter begins with a breakdown of first-generation (typical) and second-generation (atypical) antipsychotics. Both classes primarily target ...

Understanding Antianxiety and Antipsychotic Medications — Chapter 19 Summary from Clinical Psychopharmacology for Therapists Medications for anxiety and psychotic disorders play a vital role in managing complex mental health conditions. Chapter 19 of Clinical Psychopharmacology for Therapists focuses on the pharmacological strategies used to treat anxiety, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and related conditions. This chapter explores the mechanisms, uses, and risks of common antianxiety and antipsychotic drugs while unpacking the underlying neurochemical theories that inform their use—particularly the roles of GABA and dopamine . 🎥 Watch the video summary below to gain a clear and concise understanding of this chapter’s key points: Antianxiety Medications and the GABA System The chapter begins with an exploration of the primary classes of antianxiety medications : benzodiazepines, beta-blockers, antihistamines, and buspirone . Of these, benzodiazepines are most frequentl...

Understanding Psychotic Disorders and Schizophrenia — Chapter 11 Summary from Clinical Psychopharmacology for Therapists Chapter 11 of Clinical Psychopharmacology for Therapists provides an in-depth exploration of psychotic disorders, with a focus on symptomatology, biological underpinnings, and both pharmacological and psychosocial interventions. Rather than treating psychosis as a standalone diagnosis, this chapter clarifies its presence as a symptom that can emerge in a variety of psychiatric and medical contexts. Watch the full chapter summary above to better understand the complexity of psychosis and how clinicians assess and treat it. Be sure to subscribe to Last Minute Lecture for more expert chapter-by-chapter content. Defining Psychosis: More Than Just a Diagnosis Psychosis is defined by the presence of hallucinations , delusions , and disorganized thinking . However, these symptoms can be caused by many conditions, including primary psychotic disorders, mood disor...

OCD vs. Psychotic Disorders — Chapter 10 Summary from Clinical Psychopharmacology for Therapists Chapter 10 of Clinical Psychopharmacology for Therapists explores two complex categories of mental illness: Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and psychotic disorders. This chapter delves into the biological, psychological, and behavioral characteristics that distinguish these conditions, and offers insights into effective treatment strategies—from SSRIs and antipsychotics to behavioral therapies like Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP). Watch the full episode above to gain clarity on the neurobiological roots of OCD and psychosis, and how to manage them in clinical practice. Don’t forget to subscribe to Last Minute Lecture for more expert textbook summaries and psychopharmacology breakdowns. Understanding OCD: Obsessions, Compulsions, and Neurobiology Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder is characterized by persistent, intrusive thoughts ( obsessions ) and ritualistic behaviors ( ...