Introduction to Pharmacology in mood disorders

Question 1

In what three ways can neurotransmitters changes the post synaptic neuron?

Answer 1

Excitory

Inhibitory

Modulatory: Effects other NT or second messenger systems

Question 2

What are the systems targeted by drugs in mood disorders?

Answer 2

Serotonin: SSRI SNRI second Gen antipsychotics 5ht2

Dopamine: Second gen anti psychotics D2/3

Noradrenaline: SNRI

Question 3

Which drugs effect the Glutamate, Gaba and second messenger systems (SMS)?

Answer 3

Ket: Glut

Gaba: Valproate and Benzos

SMS: Lith, Valporate and Carbamezapine

Question 4

Where are the serotonin cells created and what mood disorder areas do they project to?

Answer 4

Raphe to the subgenual cingulate and limbic system

Question 5

How is serotonin broken down in the synapse?

Answer 5

Via the 5 Ht transporter and the Monoamine Oxidase

Question 6

How is Dopamine related to mood disorders?

Answer 6

Increasing: Mania

Decreasing: Depression, but less mania

Reward system in Mood disorders

Antagonists used as mood stabiliser

Question 7

What is the main inhibitory receptor in the brain?

Answer 7

Gaba A

Question 8

What are SMS?

Answer 8

Intercellular communication caused by the binding of NT and a G protein coupled receptors

Can increase NT

Not understood wel

Cyclic Amp and Inositol (too much of this cause mania)

Question 9

What are main uses of Lithium?

Answer 9

Decrease mania, less good on depression

Reliable mood stabiliser

Good for suicide risk

Limited as monotherpay

> 6 minimol need for stabilisation, more for mania