Health Definitions Flashcards
Define Health psychology.
Why people engage in behaviours which are potentially unhealthy or dangerous, e.g. Taking drugs such as cocaine.
Health behaviours such as addiction from a bio psycho and social perspective, e.g. Why someone might be more vulnerable to addiction
Identifying ways of making treatments or health promoting campaigns more effective by looking at the causes of health behaviour like addiction e.g. If friends are a big influence on drug taking then campaigns should be aimed at tackling peer pressure etc.
Define substance misuse.
Taking drugs for purposes they weren’t originally intended.
In quantities that can be potentially damaging to physical and mental health.
Define synapse.
The junction between neurones where neurotransmitters are released.
There are various ways drugs affect the release of neurotransmitters across the synapse e.g. blocking receptors on the post-synaptic neurone.
Define tolerance.
The body adapts to function normally.
Up/down regulation.
Same effect, more drug needed until a plateau is reached.
Define physical dependence.
When brain physically adapts.
E.g. Through up/down regulation
So when user stops, experience physical withdrawal symptoms.
Define psychological dependence.
Users believe the need the drug to function.
I.e. Need it to function socially, emotionally or cognitively
Drug becomes central to the routine of the user.
Any break in habit is hard to maintain.
Define context-dependent overdosing.
Brain forms a connection with the l presence of a drug and a certain situation.
Prepares the body for taking the drug in that situation.
When in a different place, not prepared.
So the user overdoses
Define up regulation.
The brain produces more inhibitory neurotransmitters.
Define down regulation.
Reduces receptor sites for dopamine and so is less sensitive.
