Psychopharmacology - when and why?

Question 1

List two situations in which BDNF can be reduced

Answer 1

Prenatal and postnatal stress
Early development stress/trauma

Question 2

What does reduced BDNF cause in the brain?

Answer 2

Dead neurones
Poor memory in the hippocampus due to long term deficits of BDNF

Question 3

List four clinical signs of reduced serotonin

Answer 3

Anxiety
Irritability
Impulsitivity
Compulsive

Question 4

List three clinical signs of increased dopamine levels in the brain

Answer 4

Inactive
Apathy
Avoidance

Question 5

List two clinical signs of decreased dopamine levels in the brain

Answer 5

Agitation
Hallucination

Question 6

List three clinical signs of noradrenaline reduction in the brain

Answer 6

Inactivity
Withdrawal
Tired/lethargic

Question 7

List two clinical signs of reduced GABA in the brain

Answer 7

Anxiety
Fear

Question 8

List 5 types of serotongeric drugs that can be used in animals

Answer 8

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI)
Tricyclic anti-depressants (TCA)
Serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI)

Question 9

List 5 types of serotongeric drugs that can be used in animals

Answer 9

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI)
Tricyclic anti-depressants (TCA)
Serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI)
Serotonin antagonist reuptake inhibitor (SNRI)
5HT Agonist

Question 10

What is the main side effect to worry about when using serotonergic drugs?

Answer 10

Serotonin syndrome

Question 11

How do noradrenergic drugs work in the body?

Answer 11

Alpha-2 agonists
Beta-blockers

Question 12

What noradrenergic drug is used as an oro-mucosal gel?

Answer 12

Dexmedetomidine (sileo)