Module 6 - Psychopharmacology

Question 1

Recall the role and function of neurotransmitters

Answer 1

Neurotransmitters are chemicals that transmit signals from one neuron to the next across the synapse
- All actions of the brain—sensory, motor, and intellectual—are carried out physiologically through the interactions of neurons. These interactions involve impulse conduction, neurotransmitter release, and receptor activation and response. Alterations in these basic processes can lead to mental disturbances and physical manifestations.

Question 2

Is GABA Inhibitory, excitatory, or both? Contributes to…?

Answer 2

Inhibitory
• major inhibitory (calming) neurotransmitter in the CNS
• Contributes our vision, motor control and plays a role in inhibiting anxiety

Question 3

Serotonin - Inhibitory, excitatory, or both? plays a role in?

Answer 3

Inhibitory

• Plays a role in modulating mood, sleep, anxiety, sexuality, and appetite

Question 4

Dopamine – Inhibitory, excitatory, or both? plays a role in?

Answer 4

Inhibitory or excitatory

• Involved in coordination of body movements, integration of emotions and thoughts, decision making.

Question 5

Acetylcholine - Inhibitory, excitatory, or both? plays a role in?

Answer 5

Inhibitory or excitatory
• One of the only transmitters in its class (cholinergics)
• Plays a role in learning and memory
• Regulates mood, mania, sexual aggression

Question 6

Norepinephrine - Inhibitory, excitatory, or both? plays a role in?

Answer 6

excitatory

• Plays a role in alertness, fight or flight response when body is in danger or stress

Question 7

Glutamate - Inhibitory, excitatory, or both? plays a role in?

Answer 7

excitatory
• Most plentiful neurotransmitter in our nervous system
• Plays a big role in memory and learning
• Excessive amount of glutamate can be neurotoxic

Question 8

What drugs are used to treat Anxiety and Insomnia

Answer 8

• Benzodiazepines

* Short-acting sedative–hypnotic sleep agents (“Z-hypnotics”) Such as zopiclone, melatonin receptor agonists, Bustab

Question 9

Benzodiazepines - target symptoms and major side effects

Answer 9

Enhance actions of GABA, increasing feelings of relaxation and calm
o Target Symptoms: Reduce anxiety, sleep-inducing effect, mild to severe depression, also treatment of seizures and characteristics of alcohol withdrawal
o Major side effects: Easy to grow tolerance to
- when combined with other CNS depressants, such as alcohol, opioids, or tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), the inhibitory actions of benzodiazepines can lead to life-threatening respiratory and CNS depression
- can interfere with motor ability, attention and judgment (like all inhibitory drugs)

Question 10

Short-acting sedative–hypnotic sleep agents (“Z-hypnotics”) also promotes GABA and inhibits neurotransmitters. Zoplicone’s Target effect and major side effects

Answer 10

Target effect: Sedative effect as well as hypnotic, anxiolytic, anticonvulsant, and muscle-relaxant effects
Side effects: Very quick onset and only to be taken right before bed; unpleasant bitter taste upon awakening
o Severe drowsiness or impaired coordination are signs of drug intolerance or excessive doses

Question 11

when is a person taking antidepressants at the highest risk for suicide?

Answer 11

2-4 weeks after starting treatment

Question 12

H

Answer 12

H

Question 13

B

Answer 13

H

Question 14

N

Answer 14

H