Exam 1 Flashcards
Why do drugs modify psychology? (3)
- Evolution gave us cognitive and emotional systems that cause us to feel good or bad in reaction to situations. This helps us adapt to different environments and stressors.
- These systems are influenced by chemical changes in the body.
- Psychotropic medications can modify these systems at the chemical level, by disrupting or otherwise changing synaptic communication.
Why is it important for clinicians to learn psychopharmacology
Widespread use of medication in mental health treatment
12% of all adults in the US, 25% of women over 60 use antidepressants
Use of medication is increasing
How does psychopharmacology come up in therapy
Referrals to psychiatry
Discussing drug use with clients and pyschiatrists
Manage ct expectations regarding medication, side effects
Recognize effects of medications (like behavioural changes)
Pharmacokinetics
what the body does to the drug
LADME (pharmacokinetics)
Liberation
Absorption
Distribution
Metabolism
Elimination
Blood brain barrier (BBB)
Protection system for the brain to keep out harmful chemicals
Tight insulation of blood vessels
Drugs must pass this barrier to be psychoactive
Pharmacodynamics
What the drug does to the body
Pharmacodynamics: Presynaptic action example
SSRIs block presynaptic serotonin transporters
Pharmacodynamics: Postsynaptic action example
Benzos activate GABA receptors
Nervous system structures
CNS & PNS
CNS
Brain & spine
PNS
Somatic & autonomic systems
PNS: Somatic
Conscious sensation and movement
PNS: Autonomic
automatic control, smooth muscles and glands
sympathetic & parasympathetic
PNS: Autonomic: Sympathetic
fight or flight
