Psychopharmachology Flashcards
Catecholamines
DA, NE, EPI (monoamines)
Related to emotion
ACh
CNS & PNS.
In PNS, transmit signal at neuromuscular junction
In CNS, linked to Alzheimer’s (decreased ACh activity in neurons which innervate hippocampus)
NE
Involved in alertness and wakefulness
Linked to depression and mania (manic state linked to too much NE, depression to too little)
Serotonin
Linked to depression, MA
Thought to have a role in regulating mood, eating, sleeping, arousal
Too much: manic state, too little: depression
SSRIs
DA
Related to movement and posture; high concentrations in basal ganglia
Phenothiazines reduce neural sensitivity to DA, antipsychotic
(DA hypothesis is not conclusive- over activity or sensitivity to DA related to schizophrenic symptoms)
Parkinson’s, schizophrenia, & DA
Parkinson’s: underactivity of DA –> L-Dopa –> hallucinations/delusions, psychotic symptoms
Schizophrenia: overactivity of DA –> antipsychotics decrease DA activity –> tardive dyskinesia (tremor & “jerky” movement)
GABA
inhibitory post synaptic potentials; stabilizes neural activity in the brain; causes hyper polarization in postsynaptic membrane
Neuropeptides (“neuromodulators”)
(Peptide: 2+ joined amino acids)
Slower synaptic action (due to more complicated process of transmission) but longer effect in postsynaptic cell
Endorphins
Neuropeptide; anti-pain, similar in structure to morphine
EPI
stimulates sympathetic nervous system (“fight or flight”)
Sedative-hypnotic drugs
Depressants, slow functioning of CNS; synergistic (additive in effect; ex. benzodiazepines/barbiturates and alcohol can lead to coma)
Enhance activity of GABA
Barbiturates (used as sedative), benzodiazepine, & alcohol
Chronic alcohol abuse
Can result in Korsakoff’s syndrome, memory disturbance (due to thiamin “vitamin B1” deficiency)
Behavioral stimulants
Increase behavioral activity by increasing motor activity or decreasing fatigue
Amphetamines, antidepressants
Amphetamines
Thought to stimulate activity to DA, NE, EPI
Behavioral stimulant
Antidepressants
Behavioral stimulant; elevate mood, increase activity, increase appetite, improve sleep quality
Tricyclics, monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors, SSRIs