Symposium 3- Addiction Psychiatry

Question 1

How is tolerance defined?

Answer 1

Reduced responsiveness to a drug caused by previous administration

Question 2

What are the two mechanisms underlying tolerance? Briefly describe each

Answer 2

Dispositional tolerance- less drug reaching the active site (less drug absorbed, drug metabolised faster, more drug excreted)
Pharmacodynamic tolerance- drug has less reaction at the active site (fewer/less efficient drug receptors)

Question 3

Describe the reward pathway

Answer 3

Neurones project from the ventral tegmental area to the nucleus accumbens & prefrontal cortex
When VTA neurones are stimulated they release dopamine is released
This causes a sensation of pleasure/reward

Question 4

What are the acute and withdrawal effects of opioids?

Answer 4

Acute effect- constipation

Withdrawal effect- diarrhoea

Question 5

What are the acute and withdrawal effects of barbiturates?

Answer 5

Acute effect- anticonvulsant

Withdrawal effect- convulsions

Question 6

What are the acute and withdrawal effects of cocaine?

Answer 6

Acute effect- elevated mood

Withdrawal effect- depressed mood