Lecture #6

Question 1

Psychopharmacology

Answer 1

• is the study of how drugs affect the brain and behavior.

Question 2

Drugs

Answer 2

• chemical compounds taken to cause a physical or mental change.

Question 3

Psychoactive Drugs

Answer 3

• Affect mood, thoughts and behavior.

Question 4

Oral Administration (p.o.)

Answer 4

• drugs absorbed into the bloodstream, through small intestine or stomach.

Question 5

Injection (4 Types)

Answer 5

1) Subcutaneous (s.c.)
- Injected into the fatty layer below the skin.
2) Intramuscular (I.m.)
- injected into large muscles like the high or upper arm.
3) Intravenous (i.v.)
- Directly into a vein, allowing fast access to the bloodstream.
4) Intracerebrovebtricular (i.c.v.)
- Injected directly into the brain, usually in experimental or severe clinical cases.

Question 6

Inhalation

Answer 6

• Drugs enter the bloodstream quickley through capillaries in the lungs.

Question 7

Absorption via Mucous Membrane Or Skin

Answer 7

Mucous Membrane:
- drugs are absorbed through the body’s mucous membranes such as the nasal passages, under the tongue, as a spray, or rectally.

Skin:
- drugs absorbed through skin patches, which deliver medication directly into the bloodstream.

Question 8

Parkinson’s Disease

Answer 8

• A movement disorder due to the degeneration of dopamine producing neurons in a region of the brain called the substantia Nigra.

Question 9

Parkinson’s Disease Symptoms:

Answer 9

• tremors, muscle stiffness, slow or difficult movement.

Question 10

Blood Brain Barrier (BBB)

Answer 10

• Is a protective barrier that prevents most substances in the blood from reaching the brain.

Question 11

L- DOPA (Levodopa)

Answer 11

• dopamine cannot cross the BBB, but L-DOPA can and then is converted into dopamine.

Question 12

Agonists

Answer 12

• substances that enhance or mimic the effects of a neurotransmitter at the synapse, increasing the likelihood of a signal being sent.

Question 13

Antagonists

Answer 13

• Substances that reduce or block synaptic transmission.

Question 14

Endogenous

Answer 14

• compounds like neurotransmitters, are naturally produced by the body.

Question 15

Exogenous

Answer 15

• Compounds, such as drugs are introduced from outside the body to influence synaptic signaling.

Question 16

What are the 5 steps of drug action at the synapse?

Answer 16

• Synthesis, Packaging and storage, Release, Receptor Interaction, Inactivation.

Question 17

Adenosine

Answer 17

• Is a natural compound in the brain that promotes relaxation and sleepiness.

Question 18

Nicotine

Answer 18

• An active compound found in tobacco that impacts the cholinergic system by targeting nicotine acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs).

Question 19

Cholinergic Agonists

Answer 19

• Drugs that stimulate the cholinergic system.

Question 20

GABA Receptor

Answer 20

• Inhibitory neurotransmission, which reduces neural activity to help maintain balance in the brain.

Question 21

What are the 3 types of GABA Receptors?

Answer 21

• GABAA, GABAB, GABAC

Question 22

GABAA Receptor Function:

Answer 22

• When GABA binds to a GABAA receptor, it opens a chloride channel within the cell membrane, making the inside more negatively charged.

Question 23

Korsakoff Syndrome

Answer 23

• A severe memory disorder, is an also a risk with longterm alcohol abuse.

Question 24

Incentive Sensitization Theory

Answer 24

• explains the difference between craving (wanting) and pleasure (liking) in drug addiction.

Question 25

Incentive Sensitization Theory

Answer 25

• explains the difference between craving (wanting) and pleasure (liking) in drug addiction.

Question 26

Wanting (Craving)

Answer 26

• Increases with repeated drug use due to brain changes in the dopamine system. Cravings intensify over time.

Question 27

Liking (Pleasure)

Answer 27

• Diminishes as the brain develops tolerance, reducing the enjoyment of the drug.

Question 28

Diagnostic Criteria (Overview - 5 steps)

Answer 28

1) Uncontrollable use or cravings
2) Neglect of responsibilities due to drug use.
3) Persistent use despite physical or psychological harm.
4) Development of tolerance with withdrawal symptoms.
5) unsuccessful efforts to quit or reduce use.

Question 29

Drug Addiction (3 characteristics)

Answer 29

1) Escalation in drug use over time
2) Compulsive drug-taking despite negative consequences.
3) Relapse after periods of abstinence.

Question 30

Conditioned Drug Tolerance

Answer 30

• A phenomenon where the body’s tolerance to a drug is influenced by the environment or situation in which the drug is typically used.

Question 31

Tolerance

Answer 31

• Occurs when repeated exposure to a dry leads to a diminished response, requiring higher doses to achieve the same effect.

Question 32

Metabolic Tolerance

Answer 32

• The body increases the production of enzymes in the liver, blood, or brain that metabolize and break down the drug.

Question 33

Cellular Tolerance

Answer 33

• Brain cells (neurons) adjust their activity to counteract the drugs effects, maintaining homeostasis.

Question 34

Cross - Tolerance

Answer 34

• Tolerance to one drug can lead to tolerance to another drug.

Question 35

Learned Tolerance

Answer 35

• Individuals develop behaviors to compensate for the effects of the drug, such as maintaining balance or focus while intoxicated.