Electroencephalography (EEG) Electroencephalography (EEG) is a non-invasive electrophysiological method to measure the electrical activity of the brain. We can compare it with echocardiography of the heart that measures the electrical activity of the heart. EEG measures voltage fluctuations resulting from ionic current within the neurons of the brain. Clinically, it refers to the recording of the brain's spontaneous electrical activity over a period, as recorded from multiple electrodes placed on the scalp. Diagnostic features Event-related potentials: These investigate potential fluctuations time-locked to an event, such as 'stimulus onset' or 'button press'. Spectral content: This analyses the type of neural oscillations (popularly called "brain waves") that can be observed in EEG signals in the frequency domain.   Uses Most often we use EEG to diagnose epilepsy. It is also used to diagnose 1.        Sleep disorders 2.       Depth o

  Monoamine Hypothesis of Depression What does the theory say the depressive disorder is caused by? An imbalance in the monoamine neurotransmitters Monoamine hypothesis dep What kind of imbalance takes place>? A decrease Monoamine hypothesis dep What are the nt involved? Nor-adrenaline, serotonin, dopamine Monoamine hypothesis dep What was noticed in the 1950s? Drugs that decreased these particular nt caused symptoms similar to depressive disorder Monoamine hypothesis dep What are the characteristics associated with nor-adrenaline? Sleeping, energy, motivation, emotion Monoamine hypothesis dep Characteristics of serotonin>? Mood control, sleeping, hunger Monoamine hypothesis dep What other job does serotonin do? Regulates adrenaline Monoamine hypothesis dep What happens if there is a low level of serotonin? Low level of adrenaline, lack of motivation and pleasure Monoamine hypothesis dep Characteristics of dopamine? Emotion, add

Courses and Mock Exams for MRCPsych CASC Different courses offer unique features. The primary focus of CASC courses is the practice of different stations.  How the authors have organized them can differ; for example, whether candidates take turns completing stations or do complete circuits.  Psychiatrists from higher trainees to consultants staff these exams. Sometimes these might include college examiners themselves.  The role-players include those who have taken the exam themselves.   Communication-focused You can best cover communication and clinical skills within local deanery-run MRCPsych courses. This includes CASC scenarios and can be helpful in the run-up to exams. This may help if communication skills at your medical institute, you did not learn communication skills or if English is not your first language.   Private Courses There are also several private providers that vary in terms of content, cost, and quality.  Some focus on communication skills (e.g. Oxford course), some