Theories and Therapies Flashcards
How can neurotransmitters be destroyed?
Degraded by enzymes in synaptic space (e.g. acetylcholinesterase)
Degraded by enzymes in the presynaptic cell during the process of re-uptake (e.g. monoamine oxidase)
Abstract thinking, decision making. Pleasure and reward system. Integration of thoughts and emotions. Stimulates hypothalamus to release hormones (sex, thread, adrenal). Meds?
Dopamine/DA
Antipsychotics block it at the spot synaptic receptor
What does an excess of dopamine cause?
Disorganized thinking, loose associations, delusions. Disabling compulsions, tics.
These symptoms are very characteristic of schizophrenia
What does a deficit of dopamine cause?
Poor impulse control, poor spatial ability, motor and movement abnormalities, inability to think abstractly. No joy, anticipation of pleasure.
Parkinson’s disease
Mood, calmness, contentedness. Regulation of temp, appetite, sleep, and pain. Aggression and libido. Hormonal activity. Meds?
Serotonin/5-HT
SSRI’s to norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors/NERI’s
Mood, attention and arousal, fight or flight response. Meds?
Norepinephrine/NE
SSRI’s to norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors/NERI’s
Reduces anxiety, excitation, and aggression. Maintains calmness, contentedness. Anticonvulsant and muscle-relaxing properties. Meds?
Gamma-aminobutyric acid
GABA
Anti-anxiety meds/ benzodiazepines
Benzos mimic GABA
Is the major mediator of excitatory signals in the CNS. Is involved in most aspects of normal brain function, including alertness, cognition, memory, and learning. Meds?
Glutamate
Under investigation
What does an excess of norepinephrine cause?
Hyperalertness, anxiety, panic, paranoia, loss of appetite
What does a deficit of norepinephrine cause?
Dullness, low energy, depression.
Some antidepressants can increase NE.
What does an excess of GABA cause?
Sedation, impaired recent memory, cognition and psycho motor functioning.
What does a deficit of GABA cause?
High levels of anxiety, irritability, seizures.
What do excesses and deficits of glutamate cause?
Neurotoxicity
Psychosis
What enzyme acts on serotonin and NE? Meds?
Monoamine oxidase
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors
MAOI’s
What enzyme acts on acetylcholine?
Acetlycholinesterase
Inhibotrs AKA anti-acetyl…. meds
What enzyme acts on serotonin and NE? Meds?
Monoamine oxidase
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors
MAOI’s work by destroying MAO, the enzyme that breaks down norepinephrine and serotonin.
Stable mood, learning, memory. Affects sexual and aggressive behavior. Control of muscle tone by balance with dopamine. Meds?
Acetylcholine
Inhibitors, which destroy the enzyme thus keeping more acetylcholine in the synapse to act.
What does an excess of acetylcholine cause?
Self-consciousness, excessive inhibition, anxiety. Somatic complaints. Depression.
What does a deficit of acetylcholine cause?
Lack of inhibition, poor short-term memory, inappropriate behaviors, Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimers
Alertness. Inflammatory response. Stimulates gastric secretion. Deficit?
Histamine.
Sedation, substantial weight gain.
The effects of a specific medication on persons from the same ethnic group?
Cross-cultural psychopharmacology
How genes influence drug metabolism in an individual?
Pharmacogenetics
What are examples of biological therapies?
Psychopharmacology, moderating stress, managing the basics (exercise, nutrition, sleep/wake patterns), brain stimulation therapies (ECT, transcranial magnetic stimulation/TMS, vagal nerve stimulation)
Explain defense mechanisms according to Freud.
Operate on an unconscious level. Deny, falsify, or distort reality to make it less threatening. Are normal response to overwhelming anxiety.
Importance of individual talk sessions. Attentive listening. Transference/countertransference
