Final Flashcards
Where in the body are psychotropic drugs primarily metabolized?
Liver
What is tolerance?
When one takes increasing amounts of a drug to produce the same effect
What are ways drug-drug interactions happen?
a. Inhibits –> toxic levels
b. Increasing liver enzymes –> lower levels of drugs
c. Additive effects by binding to a common receptor site
Functions of the blood brain barrier?
a. Maintain a constant environment in which the brain can function
b. Protect the brain from toxins
What organ primarily eliminates drugs from the body?
Kidneys
Abnormalities in depression based on biological research include?
a. Decreased levels of excitatory neurotransmitters in the synapse
b. Increased activity in the HPA axis which results in an increase in the level of adrenal hormone, cortisol, in the blood
c. Up-regulation of post synaptic receptors
What medications are effective in OCD?
SSRIs (Prozac, Luvox, etc)
What are ways interpersonal and social rhythm therapy help with bipolar?
a. Establishing a routine (sleeping, walking, eating)
b. Development of interpersonal skills to improve relationships
What is the most commonly prescribed psychotropic medication?
Antianxiety
What are common side effects of benzodiazepines?
Drowsiness, sedation, ataxia, cognitive impairment
What medications are used to treat an acute episode of mania?
Mood stabilizers, antipsychotics, and benzodiazepines
What is kindling effect?
The theory that mania is initiated by this effect—cell membranes of those neurons to become electrically unstable, leading to rapid, chaotic firing of neurons in certain part of the brain.
Which antidepressant is least likely to cause sexual side effects?
Wellbutrin
What is the first line of treatment for GAD?
Therapy
Can GAD be so severe that it can require medication?
Yes
Are EPS side effects common of traditional antipsychotics?
Yes by blocking dopamine in areas of the brain that coordinate movement
What are some signs that grieving has become clinical depression?
Social isolation, weight loss, loss of self esteem
How many episodes of mania/depression must happen in a year for someone to meet the criteria for rapid cycling?
4
What is the priority when treating panic disorder?
Eliminate or significantly reduce panic attacks
Why are tricyclics not considered a first line treatment for depression?
Newer antidepressants have fewer side effects and not lethal in overdose
Clients who take high doses of benzodiazepines for a prolonged period of time are at high risk for addiction to it?
Yes
What are beta-blockers?
Are blood pressure medications that reduce the physiological sxs of anxiety (rapid breathing, rapid heart beat, muscle tension). Often used in social anxiety disorders and performance anxiety.
What are some off labels use for anti depressants?
Management of chronic anxiety disorder, anti obsessional agents in OCD, control of some types of pain
What percentage of people taking SSRIs that has a sexual side effect?
~About 60%
If a client does not respond to meds what should be done before trying another type of med?
a. Make sure diagnosis is correct,
b. Make sure client is taking the medication long enough to produce a clinical effect
c. Make sure the dose of medication is sufficient
Why are older MAOIs not used as a first line treatment for depression anymore?
a. Dietary restrictions
b. Negative drug interactions with many other types of medications
c. Overdose of these drugs can be fatal
What are traditional (older) antipsychotic effective for?
Positive symptoms of schizophrenia
What are atypical (newer) antipsychotics effective for?
Both positive and negative symptoms of schizophrenia
Why must one’s blood level be checked if they take lithium?
a. To prevent toxicity
b. Narrow therapeutic window
What are some physiological signs of depression?
a. Anhedonia
b. Fatigue/low energy
c. Appetite changes and weight loss or gain
What are the first symptoms to improve with someone begins taking an antidepressant?
Physiological
What are positive symptoms of schizophrenia?
Hallucinations, delusions, disorganized thoughts and behaviors, word salad
What is a theory/explanation as to why positive symptoms of schizophrenia happen?
Increased activity of dopamine
What are negative symptoms of schizophrenia?
a. Apathy
b. Blunted affect
c. Social withdrawal
What is a theory/explanation as to why negative symptoms of schizophrenia happen?
Reduced activity of dopamine, increase of serotonin
What are some side effects of lithium?
a. Fine hand tremor
b. Weight gain
c. Increased urination
What is Wellbutrin most effective for?
ADHD & Depression
What are some neurological side effects of antipsychotic medication?
a. EPS
b. Akathisia
c. Dystonia
d. Tardive dyskinesia (TD)
When prescribing doctors are choosing a drug for a client what are the most important things to consider?
a. Safety of the drug in overdose
b. Side effect profiles
When treating the elderly what does “start low and go slow mean?”
Start meds at a small dose and increase it slowly in order to assess the persons response and minimize negative side effects
What drug has been found to be the problematic in regards to birth defects while pregnant?
Anticonvulsants and mood stabilizers
Why should benzodiazepines not used in treatment for children with anxiety?
Cognitive impairment that could impact learning and memory in school
What is the most common health problem in kids?
ADHD
How does depression most commonly manifest in children?
More anger and irritability and less sadness
Do statistics show that many teens who have MDD develop bipolar within 5 years?
Yes
