Cognitive enhancement Flashcards
What is ADHD
ADHD is associated with alterations in prefrontal cortex (PFC) and its connections to striatum and cerebellum.
Pre Frontal Cortex is critical for the regulation of behavior, attention, and affect using representational knowledge.
What is the mechanism behind ADHD
Norepinephrine enhances “signals” through postsynaptic alpha2A adrenoceptors in PFC
Dopamine decreases “noise” through modest levels of D1 receptor stimulation.
How do ADHD medications have therapuetic effects
Medications may have many of their therapeutic effects by optimizing stimulation of alpha2A adrenoceptors and D1 receptors in the PFC, thus strengthening PFC regulation of behavior and attention.
What is the main treatment for ADHD in children and adults
Methylphenidate (Ritalin) - children
Amphetamine - children
modafinil - adults
What is the mechanism of action of Methylphenidate (Ritalin)
mainly Noradrenaline and dopamine re-uptake inhibitors
small bit of 5HT re-uptake inhibition
What do dopaminergic drugs do
they primarily seem to affect execution of behaviour
what are the noradrenegic mechanisms - what do they do?
Assign an appropriate response (particually in distracting conditions)
what do serotonin drugs help with
preparation
Give examples of drugs used to treat ADHD which have noradrenergic effects
Atomoxetine = non-stimulant Noradrenaline re-uptake inhibitor (NRI)
Clonidine = alpha2-adrenoceptor agonist
Desipramine = Noradrenaline specific tricyclic antidepressant
What drug is used to treat smoking addiction
Buproprion
What drugs are for central anti-obesity treatment
Sibutramine = NA/5-HT re-uptake inhibitor Rimonabant = Selective CB1 receptor blocker Lorcaserin = Selective 5-HT2C receptor agonist
What drugs are for peripheral anti-obesity treatment
Orlistat – Lipase inhibitor which prevents fat breakdown and absorption
