Question

Describe six symptoms associated with damage to the dorsolateral
prefrontal cortex and briefly describe the tests you would used to identify each of
these symptoms

Answer 1

The dorsolateral prefrontal cortex is a region of the frontal lobes that is most typically associated with executive functions including working memory and selective attention, cognitive flexibility planning, etc. Frontal lobe lesions are associated with behavioral abnormalities and executive dysfunction.Symptoms associated with this condition include,

Depression, Though depression involves an overall reduction in brain activity, some parts of the brain are more affected than others. In brain-imaging studies using PET scans, depressed people display abnormally low activity in the prefrontal cortex. Depression is characterized by altered emotion processing and deficits in cognitive control. Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) or abbreviated to HAM-D is a multiple choice questionnaire that doctors may use to identify and rate a condition like depression.

Schizophrenia, is characterised by thoughts or experiences that seem out of touch with reality, disorganised speech or behaviour and decreased participation in daily activities. Among various other causes,the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex is especially underactive when a person suffers from chronic schizophrenia. Although there are no laboratory tests to specifically diagnose schizophrenia, Psychological testing can also be used to further explore the symptoms of schizophrenia. These tests can include cognitive testing, personality testing, and open-ended or projective testing such as the Inkblot test.

Stress, Exposure to severe stress may be linked to damage in the  dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, Stress affects memory and many other brain functions, like mood and anxiety.Cortisol blood test is one of the most commonly used blood tests to identify a condition like stress.

Substance abuse, individuals who display drug abuse may have corelation with dysfunction of the prefrontal cortex. Blood, urine or other lab tests are used to assess drug use, but they're not a diagnostic test for addiction. Diagnosing substance use disorder requires a thorough evaluation and often includes an assessment by a psychiatrist.

Alcoholism, which is the inability to control drinking due to both a physical and emotional dependence on alcohol. Researchers have long believed that abnormal function in the prefrontal cortex region of the brain contributes to lack of control over drinking. To diagnose this condition doctors might have to conduct a screening test, interview the patient or administer a short survey. Since alcoholics generally try to conceal their drinking problems, these surveys ask about problems and symptoms that might come from alcohol abuse, as opposed to trying to get the patient to admit to the actual quantity of alcohol they drink.

Dementia, Damage to the brain's frontal and temporal lobes causes forms of dementia called frontotemporal disorders,. Dementia is not a single disease in itself, but a general term to describe symptoms of impairment in memory, communication, and thinking. Cognitive and neuropsychological tests, these tests are used to assess memory, problem solving, language skills, math skills, and other abilities related to mental functioning.