Textbook Vocab Flashcards
Accuracy
the ability of an experimental result to conform to an actual, true or correct value or representation.
Acetate
a salt that is produced by acetic acid and metabolized by glial cells in the brain. Molecular formula: CH3CO2^−
Activation likelihood estimation
an algorithm used to determine coordinate-based activation of specific brain regions from neuroimaging data across multiple studies and subjects. Particularly useful in assessing the convergence of results across many different experiments.
Agonist
a molecule or ligand that activates a particular cellular receptor.
Allosteric
indirect modulation or regulation via a non-active site.
Amotivation
a lack of motivation stemming from detachment or decreased emotion or drive.
Anhedonia
a decreased ability to experience pleasure.
Antagonist
a molecule or ligand that blocks receptor activation, partially, completely or irreversibly.
Appetitiveness
the extent to which a stimuli, object or event elicits an appealing response.
Backward masking
a stimulus paradigm in which a stimulus is presented and then almost immediately covered or hidden. This conceptual model is useful for investigating spatiotemporal processing, motion perception, reaction time, etc.
Behavior sensitization
an increased motor-stimulant response to a substance that occurs after repeated use and exposure to that substance.
β spectral power
the strength of β (frequencies of approximately 13–30Hz) power contained in the EEG signal.
Biomarkers
a wide subcategory of biological or medical signs that can be examined objectively and quantified to indicate normal, pathological or pharmacological effects on biological functioning. They may also indicate disease outcomes, effects of treatment, or environmental exposure to chemicals or nutrients.
Cannabinoids
naturally occurring or synthetic compounds that modulate the endocannabinoid system, activating CB1 and CB2 receptors within the body. They may be plant-derived (e.g. tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol) or produced by the human body (e.g. anandamide and 2-arachidonoylglycerol).
Choline
a molecular precursor to acetylcholine, commonly utilized in magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) to identify the presence of brain tumors. It also serves many other functions throughout the body including neurotransmitter synthesis, cell membrane signaling, liquid transport, and methyl group metabolism.
Classical conditioning
a mechanism of learning and memory, in which one associates a relevant stimulus with an otherwise, non-relevant stimulus. Typically occurs after repeated exposure to the two stimuli together.
Cognitive-behavioral model
a theory based on the assumption that mental processes can influence emotional and behavioral (physiological) responses.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
a type of therapy that seeks to help patients recognize, avoid, and cope with the situations in which they are most likely to abuse drugs.
Computed tomography (CT)
a type of computerized X-ray imaging that constructs a three-dimensional image from many individual cross-sectional X-ray images, taken in succession, of an anatomical region. Used primarily in neuroscience for structural measurements of the nervous system.
Contingency management (CM)
a method that uses positive reinforcement such as providing rewards or privileges for remaining drug-free, for attending and participating in counseling sessions, or for taking treatment medications as prescribed.
Craving
the intense desire to use or obtain a substance. May be continuous, or may occur randomly or after presentation of drug-related cues.
Creatine
an amino acid that is utilized by cells under high-energy demand. This metabolite is commonly targeted in magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) to examine metabolic activity in neurons of the human brain.
Cue reactivity
a conditioned response (craving) to various stimuli that are associated (either naturally or through repeated exposure) with drug-seeking and drug-taking behaviors.
Delay discounting
the tendency to undervalue a reward or punishment that is received after a delayed time period. This concept is thought to be the underlying principle of the tendency of individuals to choose smaller, more immediate rewards over bigger rewards that require a waiting time for receipt.
Depressant
a substance that slows the activity of the central nervous system, typically through activation of GABAergic neurons. This category includes sedatives, tranquilizers, and alcohol.
Diffusivity
the pattern and nature of a substance’s ability to spread (or diffuse) throughout a system.
Dopamine
a neurotransmitter that is prevalent in brain regions that regulate movement, emotion, motivation and reward.
Drug expectancy
the cognitive and perceptual outcomes that occur from the anticipated drug effects of the user. Examining this phenomenon can provide insights into drug initiation, reinforcement, and sustained use.
Drug half-life
the time required for the concentration or amount of drug in the plasma to be reduced by one-half.
Dysphoria
the inability to derive pleasure from common non-drug-related rewards.
Ecological validity
the extent to which experimental results reflect real-world scenarios or phenomenon. This indicates the relevance of a study to generalize, inform and predict actual, real-world events.
Effort–reward calculation
the mental calculation in making a decision of the energetic cost of an action (effort) compared with the benefit of the resulting outcome (reward).
Electroencephalography (EEG)
an electrophysiological technique that records electrical conductance of cortical neurons in the brain. This technique is favorable because it is able to obtain this information with high temporal resolution.
Emotion regulation
the ability of a person to regulate and modify their emotional experiences and expression.
Endophenotype
genetic factors that are determined through genetic testing and are prevalent in association with specific behaviors, illnesses, or other psychophysiological factors. The examination of endophenotypes is utilized to better assess gene–environment interactions of psychiatric illnesses.