Biological Basis of Behavior-Neurons, Neurotransmitters, and Medications Flashcards
What are the 3 parts of a neuron?
Dendrite
Cell Body
Axon
What is the “receiving body” of a neuron?
Dendrite
What is the “sending body” of a neuron?
Axon
Which part of the neuron contains DNA?
Cell Body
When a cell is at rest, what chemical is contained outside the cell?
Sodium
When a cell is at rest, what chemical is contained inside the cell?
Potassium
Neurotransmitter agnoist
Enhances the effect of the neurotransmitter
Neurotransmitter Antagonist
Inhibits the effect of the neurotransmitter
What does acetylcholine control?
Voluntary Movement
Memory
Cognition
Acetylcholine is most prevalent in which brain structure?
Hippocampus
Alzheimer’s suggests a deficit of which neurotransmitter?
Acetylcholine
What are the 2 chatecholamines?
Dopamine and Norepinephrine
What does Dopamine control?
Movement
Thinking
Emotion
Most street drugs mimic which neurotransmitter?
Dopamine
The __________________ Hypothesis of Schizophrenia suggests that Schizophrenia results from an increase of this neurotransmitter
Dopamine
Traditional antipsychotics work in what way?
Dopamine antagonsist that block dopamine post-synaptic receptors
2nd Generation antipsychotics act on which two neurotransmitters?
Dopamine and Serotonin
Parkison’s is due to too little of which neurotransmitter?
Dopamine
What drug is typically used to treat Parkinson’s?
L-Dopa
What does L-Dopa do?
Dopamine Agonist
Norepinephrine is involved in?
Mood
Pain
Sleep
Too little norepinephrine can result in?
Depression
Too much norephinephrine can result in?
Mania
Serotonin is involved in?
Mood Sleep Appetite Aggression Sexual Activity Pain Perception
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