Biological Basis of Behavior-Neurons, Neurotransmitters, and Medications Flashcards by Melisa Del Ponte

Q

What are the 3 parts of a neuron?

A

Dendrite
Cell Body
Axon

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Q

What is the “receiving body” of a neuron?

A

Dendrite

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Q

What is the “sending body” of a neuron?

A

Axon

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Q

Which part of the neuron contains DNA?

A

Cell Body

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Q

When a cell is at rest, what chemical is contained outside the cell?

A

Sodium

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Q

When a cell is at rest, what chemical is contained inside the cell?

A

Potassium

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Q

Neurotransmitter agnoist

A

Enhances the effect of the neurotransmitter

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Q

Neurotransmitter Antagonist

A

Inhibits the effect of the neurotransmitter

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Q

What does acetylcholine control?

A

Voluntary Movement
Memory
Cognition

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Q

Acetylcholine is most prevalent in which brain structure?

A

Hippocampus

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Q

Alzheimer’s suggests a deficit of which neurotransmitter?

A

Acetylcholine

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Q

What are the 2 chatecholamines?

A

Dopamine and Norepinephrine

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Q

What does Dopamine control?

A

Movement
Thinking
Emotion

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Q

Most street drugs mimic which neurotransmitter?

A

Dopamine

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Q

The __________________ Hypothesis of Schizophrenia suggests that Schizophrenia results from an increase of this neurotransmitter

A

Dopamine

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Q

Traditional antipsychotics work in what way?

A

Dopamine antagonsist that block dopamine post-synaptic receptors

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Q

2nd Generation antipsychotics act on which two neurotransmitters?

A

Dopamine and Serotonin

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Q

Parkison’s is due to too little of which neurotransmitter?

A

Dopamine

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Q

What drug is typically used to treat Parkinson’s?

A

L-Dopa

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Q

What does L-Dopa do?

A

Dopamine Agonist

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Q

Norepinephrine is involved in?

A

Mood
Pain
Sleep

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Q

Too little norepinephrine can result in?

A

Depression

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Q

Too much norephinephrine can result in?

A

Mania

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Q

Serotonin is involved in?

A

Mood
Sleep
Appetite
Aggression
Sexual Activity
Pain Perception

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Dysregulation of Serotonin can result in?

Suicidality | Impulsivity

What are the 3 Amino Acids?

GABA Glycine Glutamate

What effect does GABA have?

Calming

Anxiety is linked to a deficiency of what neurotransmitter?

GABA

What do GABA agonists treat?

Anxiety

What is the most common neurotransmitter in the brain?

Glutamate

Which neurotransmitter is linked to Schizophrenia, Autism, Depression, and OCD?

Glutamate

Long changes of amino acids are called?

Peptides

Endorphins are what type of neurotransmitter?

Peptides

Melzack and Wall developed what theory?

Gate Control Theory of Pain

What is the Gate Control Theory of Pain?

Melzack and Wall's Theory. It states that our experience of pain is not directly related to activation of pain receptors. Instead, neural gates in the spinal cored mediate the signal. Either the gates allow the pain signals to make it to the brain or not. Various physical and psychological variables control the gates.

What is the Centralization of Pain Theory?

This theory posits that pain is affected by memory of previous pain. If you have a history of being exposed to frequent pain, you are more likely to experience plain. When considering the neuroplasticity of our brain, it can change in response to frequent pain signals so that it response more quickly to new pain signals with a lower threshold.

What are two theories of pain?

Gate Control Theory of Pain and Centralization of Pain Theory

How many stages of sleep are there?

5

What type of waves dominate during Stage 1 Sleep?

Beta Waves

What brain function is exhibited during Stage 2 Sleep?

Sleep Spindles

What type of wave dominates Stage 3 Sleep?

Delta Waves

What type of wave dominates Stage 4 Sleep?

Delta Waves

What types of brain waves are associated with alertness?

Beta Waves

What type of brain waves are associated with relaxation?

Alpha Waves

What biological occurrences happen during Stage 2 Sleep?

Temperature and Heart Rate Decrease

What biological occurrences happen during Stage 3 and 4 Sleep?

Heart Rate and Respiration Slow Down, but body remains toned

What happens during Stage 5 sleep?

Also known as REM sleep, Stage 5 Sleep is dominated by rapid eye movements. It's known as paradoxical sleep, because during this phase respiration, heart rate, and brain waves increase, but the body becomes less toned and more relaxed. This is when dreaming typically occurs.

On a typical night, which sleep stages are more frequent during the beginning of the night?

Deep Sleep ( Stages 3 and 4)

On a typical night, which sleep stage is more frequent at the end of the night?

REM sleep

How does sleep change as we age?

More frequent wakeups and less REM sleep

What type of sleep is physically restorative?

Non-REM sleep

What type of sleep is psychologically restorative?

REM sleep

What are some effects of sleep deprivation?

``` Impaired Memory Impaired Decision Making Disrupts Metabolism Impaired Concentration Increased Stress Hormones ```

What are two types of generalized seizures?

``` Tonic/Clonic (Grand Mal) Absense Seizures (Petit Mal) ```

What is the difference between generalized seizures and partial seizures?

Generalized seizures occur throughout the brain and always involve a lack of consciousness. Partial seizures only affect a single area of the brain and often the person does not lose consciousness.

What is a Tonic/Clonic Seizure?

Tonic=Stiffening | Clonic=Jerking Movements

What is an Absense Seizure?

Very brief loss of consciousness without loss of posture. It often looks like the person is daydreaming and they will immediately return to pre-seizure activity without issue

At what age are absense seizures most common?

Before age 5

What is a simple partial seizure?

When the person has a seizure in one specific area of their brain and the person maintains alertness and consciousness.

What is a Jacksonian seizure?

A simple partial frontal lob seizure which initially affects one small part of the body (such as a finger) but then gives the impression that the seizing part is marching up towards the rest of the body.

What is a complex partial seizure?

A seizure in one specific area of the brain that causes the person to lose alertness and consciousness. It may involve automatism and is frequently proceeded by an aura

What is automatism?

Involuntary purposeless behavior such as lip smacking, fidgeting, or aimless walking

What type of seizure is typically caused by temporal lobe epilepsy?

Complex Partial Seizure

What is another term for neuroleptics?

First generation antipsychothics

What are some examples of First Generation Antipsychotics?

Thorazine/Chlorpromazine Prolixin (Fluphenazine) Haldol (Haloperidol)

Type: Thorazine

First Generation Antipsychotic

Type: Chlorpormazine

First Generation Antipsychotic

Type: Prolixin

First Generation Antipsychotic

Type: Fluphenazine

First Generation Antipsychotic

Type: Haldol

First Generation Antipsychotic

Generic Name for Thorazine

Chlorpromazine

Generic Name for Prolixin

Fluphenazine

Generic Name for Haldol

Haloperidol

Brand name for Chlorpromazine

Thorazine

Brand name for Fluphenazine

Prolixin

Brand name for Haloperidol

Haldol

Another name for Second Generation Antipsychotics?

Atypical Antipsychotics

Name some Atypical Antipsychotics

``` Abilify/Aripiprazole Clozaril/Clozapine Geodon/Ziprasidone Risperdal/Risperidone Seroquel/Quetiapine Zyprexa/Olanzapine ```

Type: Abilify

Atypical Antipsychotic

Type: Clozaril

Atypical Antipsychotic

Type: Geodon

Atypical Antipsychotic

Type: Risperdal

Atypical Antipsychotic

Type: Seroquel

Atypical Antipsychotic

Type: Zyprexa

Atypical Antipsychotic

Type: Aripiprazole

Atypical Antipsychotic

Type: Clozapine

Atypical Antipsychotic

Type: Ziprasidone

Atypical Antipsychotic

Type: Risperidone

Atypical Antipsychotic

Type: Quetiapine

Atypical Antipsychotic

Type: Olanzapine

Atypical Antipsychotic

Generic name for Abilify

Aripiprazole

Generic name for Clozaril

Clozapine

Generic name for Geodon

Ziprasidone

Generic name for Riperdal

Risperidone

Generic name for Seroquel

Quetiapine

Generic name for Zyprexa

Olanzapine

Brand name for Aripiprazole

Abilify

Brand name for Clozapine

Clozaril

Brand name for Ziprasidone

Geodon

Brand name for Risperidone

Risperdal

Brand name for Quetiapine

Seroquel

Brand name for Olanzapine

Zyprexa

Why might atypical antipsychotics be preferred to first generation antipsychotics?

Less side effects

Why might first generation antipsychotics be preferred to atypical antipsychotics?

Cheaper

What is the agent of change for antipsychotics?

They are dopamine antagonists that block post-synaptic dopamine receptors.

What are some factors related to better treatment outcomes for Schizophrenia?

``` Later age of onset More acute onset Higher pre-morbid functioning Anxiety/Affective Concerns Systematized Focused Delusions Existence of precipitating factors Being married Having a family history of mood disorders without a history of Schizophrenia ```

Other than Schizophrenia, what might antipsychotics be used for?

PTSD Majore Depression Autism Tourette's

What are some side effects for all antipsychotics?

``` Sedation/Drowsiness Orthostatic Hypertension Anticholinergic Side Effects Weight Gain Sexual Dysfunction ```

What are anti-cholinergic side effects?

``` Dry Mouth Constipation Dry Eyes Confusion Decreased Memory ```

What are some side effects of Typical Antipsychotics?

Extra Pyramidal Symptoms including Tardive Dyskinesia, Parkinsonism, Dystonia, and Akathisia

What might be prescribed to help manage the extra-pyramidal symptoms caused by first generation antipsychotics?

Anti-cholinergic agents

What are some side effects of atypical antipsychotics?

Significant Weight Gain Decreased Metabolism Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome

Which antipsychotic is associated with higher risk for agranulocytosis?

Clozaril

Do antipsychotics create dependence?

No

Can antipsychotics lead to withdrawal when stopped?

Only at high doses

Is an overdose of antipsychotics lethal?

Generally Not

What are the categories of Anti-Depressants?

SSRI's/SNRI's Tricyclics MAOI's Others

Type: Prozac

SSRI

Type: Zoloft

SSRI

Type: Paxil

SSRI

Type: Effexor

SNRI

Type: Fluoxetine

SSRI

Type: Sertraline

SSRI

Type: Paroxetine

SSRI

Type: Venlafaxine

SNRI

Brand name for Fluoxetine

Prozac

Brand name for Sertraline

Zoloft

Brand name for Paroxetine

Paxil

Brand name for Venlafaxine

Effexor

Generic name for Prozac

Fluoxetine

Generic name for Zoloft

Sertraline

Generic name for Paxil

Paroxetine

Generic name for Effexor

Venlafaxine

Type: Tofranil

Tricyclic

Type: Pamelor

Tricyclic

Type: Amitriptyline

Tricyclic

Type: Imipramine

Tricyclic

Type: Nortriptyline

Tricyclic

Generic Name for Tofranil

Imipramine

Generic Name for Pamelor

Nortriptyline

Brand Name for Imipramine

Tofranil

Brand Name for Nortriptyline

Pamelor

What are the pros and cons of Tricyclic Anti-Depressants?

They can be very effective, but there are more side effects and they are more likely to be fatal when overdosed.

Type: Doxepin

Tricyclic

What is the oldest form of Anti-Depressant?

MAOI's

What are some examples of SSRI's/SNRI's?

Prozac/Fluoxetine Zoloft/Sertraline Paxil/Paroxetine Effexor/Venlafaxine

What are some examples of Tricyclic Anti-Depressants?

Tofranil/Imipramine Pamelor/Nortriptyline Amitriptyline Doxepin

What are some examples of MAOI's?

Nardil/Phenelzine | Parnate/Tranylcypromine

Type: Nardil

MAOI

Type: Phenelzine

MAOI

Type: Parnate

MAOI

Type: Tranylcypromine

MAOI

Generic Name for Nardil

Phenelzine

Generic Name for Parnate

Tranylcypromine

Brand Name for Phenelzine

Nardil

Brand Name for Tranylcypromine

Parnate

What type of psychotropic medication has serious interactions with food and other medications?

MAOI's

Type: Wellbutrin

Anti-Depressant

Type: Remeron

Anti-Depressant

Type: Desyrel

Anti-Depressant

Type: Bupropion

Anti-Depressant

Type: Mirtazapine

Anti-Depressant

Type: Trazodone

Anti-Depressant

Generic Name for Wellbutrin

Bupropion

Generic Name for Mirtazapine

Remeron

Brand Name for Trazodone

Desyrel

Generic Name for Desyrel

Trazodone

Brand Name for Mirtazapine

Remeron

Brand Name for Pupropion

Wellbutrin

What are some side effects of SSRI's/SNRI's?

``` Headache Restlessness Insomnia Sexual Dysfunction GI Symptoms Black Box Risk ```

What are some side effects of Tricyclic Anti-Depressants?

``` Anticholinergic Effects Sedation Weight Gain Nausea Heart Disease High Blood Pressure Seizures ```

Side Effects of MAOI's?

Hypertension Insomnia Tyramine Induced Hypertensive Crisis Serotonin Syndrome if taken with SSRI's

Do Anti-Depressants cause Dependence?

No

Are Anti-Depressants lethal when overdosed?

Tricyclics and MAOI's are

What are some types of anti-anxiety medications?

Benzodiazepines Non-Benzos Beta-Blockers

What are some examples of Benzos?

``` Xanax/Alprazolam Klonopin/Clonazepam Valium/Diazepam Ativan/Lorazepam Restoril/Temazepam ```

What are some examples of Non-Benzo's?

Buspar/Buspirone Ambien/Zolpidem Sonata/Zaleplon

What type of drug is Inderal/Propanalol?

Beta-Blocker

Type: Xanax

Benzo

Type: Klonopin

Benzo

Type: Valium

Benzo

Type: Ativan

Benzo

Type: Restoril

Benzo

Type: Alprazolam

Benzo

Type: Clonazepam

Benzo

Type: Diazepam

Benzo

Type: Lorazepam

Benzo

Type: Temazepam

Benzo

Type: Buspar

Non-Benzo

Type: Buspirone

Non-Benzo

Type: Ambien

Non-Benzo

Type: Zolpidem

Non-Benzo

Type: Sonata

Non-Benzo

Type: Zaleplon

Non-Benzo

Generic Name for Buspar

Buspirone

Brand Name for Buspirone

Buspar

Generic Name for Ambien

Zolpidem

Brand Name for Zolpidem

Ambien

Generic name for Sonata

Zaleplon

Brand Name for Zaleplon

Sonata

How might Anti-Anxiety medications disrupt sleep?

They can lead to reduced REM sleep

What is the mechanism of action for anti-anxiety medications?

They are GABA agonists

What are some side effects of anti-anxiety medication?

``` Drowsiness Dizziness Problems with Coordination Cognitive Impairments Tolerance Dependence ```

Which class of medication is cross-tolerant with alcohol?

Benzos

Do anti-anxiety medications cause withdrawal?

Yes. Withdrawal can be fatal

Is overdose on anti-anxiety medications fatal?

Generally no, but can be if taken in conjunction with alcohol

Anti-anxiety medications are contraindicated for whom?

People with a history of substance use disorders and older adults.

What are some risks for older adults who take anti-anxiety medications?

Higher risk of falls, fractures, car accidents, and cognitive impairments.

What are two types of mood stabilizers?

Lithium and Anti-Convulsants

Type: Tegretol

Anti-Convulsant

Type: Carbemazepine

Anti-Convulsant

Type: Neurontin

Anti-Convulsant

Type: Gabapentin

Anti-Convulsant

Type: Depakote

Anti-Convulsant

Type: Valproic Acid

Anti-Convulsant

Generic Name for Tegretol

Carbemazepine

Generic Name for Neurontin

Gabapentin

Generic Name for Depakote

Valproic Acid

Brand Name for Carbemazepine

Tegretol

Brand Name for Gabapentin

Neurontin

Brand Name for Valproic Acid

Depakote

What are some side effects of Lithium?

Fine Hand Tremors Excessive Thirst/Urination Blood/Thyroid/Kidney Levels need to be Monitored Lithium Toxicity

What are some side effects of Anti-Convulsants?

Increased suicidality Dizziness Headaches

Do Mood Stabilizers cause tolerance?

No

Is withdrawal a concern for mood stabilizers?

No

What are contraindications for mood stabilizers?

Pre-existing heart/kidney/thyroid disease | Pregnancy

What are some examples of Stimulants?

``` Ritalin/Methylphenidate Adderall Concerta/Methylphenidate Dexedrine Strattera (Atomoxetine) ```

Type: Ritalin

Stimulant

Type: Methylphenidate

Stimulant

Type: Adderall

Stimulant

Type: Concerta

Stimulant

Type: Dexedrine

Stimulant

Type: Strattera

SNRI

Type: Atomoxetine

SNRI

Generic name of Ritalin

Methylphenidate

Generic Name of Concerta

Methylphenidate

Generic Name of Strattera

Atomoxetine

Brand Name of Atomoxetine

Strattera

Brand Name of Methylphenidate

Ritalin | Concerta

What is the mechanism of action for stimulants?

Increase dopamine and norepinephrine by blocking reuptake

Although it's an SNRI, Strattera is used to treat?

ADHD

Do stimulants cause dependence?

Yes

Do stimulants have withdrawal symptoms?

Yes

Is overdose of stimulants lethal?

No