Understanding Neurobiology in Relation to Pharmacotherapy for Mental Disorders Flashcards
What is Gamma-aminobutyric Acid (GABA)?
GABA is a neurotransmitter that inhibits nerve activity, promoting calm and relaxation in the central nervous system.
What happens when GABA is released across the synaptic cleft?
It binds to GABA receptors on the post-synaptic membrane, resulting in inhibition of nerve activity.
How does GABA affect feelings and mood?
It fosters feelings of happiness and peacefulness.
What is a medical use of drugs that increase GABA activity?
controlling epilepsy
What are the effects of GABA deficiency?
It can lead to poor impulse control, resulting in issues like alcoholism, gambling, angry outbursts, and shoplifting.
Q: How does GABA excess affect a person?
A: It results in sedation and daytime sleepiness.
Where is serotonin found in the body?
In the central nervous system, large blood vessels, and intestinal walls.
How is serotonin synthesized?
It is synthesized from the amino acid L-tryptophan within neurons and stored in vesicles.
What is the role of serotonin in relation to epinephrine and norepinephrine?
Serotonin counteracts the effects of epinephrine and norepinephrine.
What conditions are partly mediated by serotonin?
Migraines, whether cerebral or abdominal.
What does 5-HT stand for?
chemical name for serotonin
What are the main sub-types of serotonin receptors?
5-HT1, 5-HT2, and 5-HT3.
How does serotonin affect GABA?
Serotonin enhances GABA; inhibiting serotonin re-uptake prolongs GABA’s calming effects.
What are some symptoms of serotonin deficiency?
Depressed mood
Anxiety, panic, phobias
Obsessions and compulsions
Negativity and irritability
Food cravings and bulimic behaviors
Sleep problems
Memory and learning issues
Perception distortion
Temperature regulation problems
Behavioral changes (including sexual and hallucinogenic behavior)
Impacts on cardiovascular function
Muscle contraction issues
Endocrine regulation problems
What role does epinephrine play in the body?
Epinephrine activates the sympathetic nervous system and contributes to the fight-or-flight response to stress.
What effects does norepinephrine have when released into the synaptic cleft?
It activates alertness, concentration, and motivation by binding to adrenergic receptors.
What does the balance between GABA and norepinephrine regulate?
It establishes the brain’s activity level, referred to as the brain’s speed control mechanism.
What symptoms are associated with excess norepinephrine?
Hypomania or mania, anxiety, restlessness, nightmares, muscle tension, and panic attacks.
hat conditions can result from dopamine excess?
Schizophrenia, anxiety, hypervigilance, paranoia, and hallucinations.
What is the role of acetylcholine?
Acetylcholine is important in the parasympathetic nervous system, facilitating muscle movement and activation.
What is glutamate’s primary role in the brain?
Glutamate is the most abundant neurotransmitter and is chiefly excitatory, playing a key role in memory and learning.
What are the dangers of high levels of glutamate?
Toxic levels can cause neurological damage, and deficiency is observed in conditions like Alzheimer’s disease.
what is glutamate?
most plentiful neurotransmitter in the brain
How does glutamate interact with other substances?
Glutamate levels increase with psycho-stimulants like caffeine and are inhibited by alcohol.
