Understanding Neurobiology in Relation to Pharmacotherapy for Mental Disorders

Question 1

What is Gamma-aminobutyric Acid (GABA)?

Answer 1

GABA is a neurotransmitter that inhibits nerve activity, promoting calm and relaxation in the central nervous system.

Question 2

What happens when GABA is released across the synaptic cleft?

Answer 2

It binds to GABA receptors on the post-synaptic membrane, resulting in inhibition of nerve activity.

Question 3

How does GABA affect feelings and mood?

Answer 3

It fosters feelings of happiness and peacefulness.

Question 4

What is a medical use of drugs that increase GABA activity?

Answer 4

controlling epilepsy

Question 5

What are the effects of GABA deficiency?

Answer 5

It can lead to poor impulse control, resulting in issues like alcoholism, gambling, angry outbursts, and shoplifting.

Question 6

Q: How does GABA excess affect a person?

Answer 6

A: It results in sedation and daytime sleepiness.

Question 7

Where is serotonin found in the body?

Answer 7

In the central nervous system, large blood vessels, and intestinal walls.

Question 8

How is serotonin synthesized?

Answer 8

It is synthesized from the amino acid L-tryptophan within neurons and stored in vesicles.

Question 9

What is the role of serotonin in relation to epinephrine and norepinephrine?

Answer 9

Serotonin counteracts the effects of epinephrine and norepinephrine.

Question 10

What conditions are partly mediated by serotonin?

Answer 10

Migraines, whether cerebral or abdominal.

Question 11

What does 5-HT stand for?

Answer 11

chemical name for serotonin

Question 12

What are the main sub-types of serotonin receptors?

Answer 12

5-HT1, 5-HT2, and 5-HT3.

Question 13

How does serotonin affect GABA?

Answer 13

Serotonin enhances GABA; inhibiting serotonin re-uptake prolongs GABA’s calming effects.

Question 14

What are some symptoms of serotonin deficiency?

Answer 14

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

Question 15

What role does epinephrine play in the body?

Answer 15

Epinephrine activates the sympathetic nervous system and contributes to the fight-or-flight response to stress.

Question 16

What effects does norepinephrine have when released into the synaptic cleft?

Answer 16

It activates alertness, concentration, and motivation by binding to adrenergic receptors.

Question 17

What does the balance between GABA and norepinephrine regulate?

Answer 17

It establishes the brain’s activity level, referred to as the brain’s speed control mechanism.

Question 18

What symptoms are associated with excess norepinephrine?

Answer 18

Hypomania or mania, anxiety, restlessness, nightmares, muscle tension, and panic attacks.

Question 19

hat conditions can result from dopamine excess?

Answer 19

Schizophrenia, anxiety, hypervigilance, paranoia, and hallucinations.

Question 20

What is the role of acetylcholine?

Answer 20

Acetylcholine is important in the parasympathetic nervous system, facilitating muscle movement and activation.

Question 21

What is glutamate’s primary role in the brain?

Answer 21

Glutamate is the most abundant neurotransmitter and is chiefly excitatory, playing a key role in memory and learning.

Question 22

What are the dangers of high levels of glutamate?

Answer 22

Toxic levels can cause neurological damage, and deficiency is observed in conditions like Alzheimer’s disease.

Question 23

what is glutamate?

Answer 23

most plentiful neurotransmitter in the brain

Question 24

How does glutamate interact with other substances?

Answer 24

Glutamate levels increase with psycho-stimulants like caffeine and are inhibited by alcohol.

Question 25

How can pharmaceuticals enhance neurotransmitter activity?

Answer 25

By increasing release, filling receptor sites, increasing neurotransmitter-filled vesicles, or reducing enzyme action in the synaptic cleft.

Question 26

What long-term effect can antidepressants have on the brain?

Answer 26

They can stimulate neurogenesis and up-regulate chemicals, hormones, and pathways involved in neuroplasticity and survival.

Question 27

What are the three phases of treatment for mental health disorders?

Answer 27

1. Acute (0-3 months)
2. Continuation (4-9 months)
3. Maintenance (years)

Question 28

Serotonin can be enhanced by:

Answer 28

1. increasing the supply of L-tryptophan
2. increasing the supply of 5-HT
3. Serotonin reuptake inhibition

Question 29

Which two neurotransmitters are sometimes called the “speed control mechanism” of the brain?

Answer 29

GABA and Norepinephrine

Question 30

TRUE OR FALSE: Cannabis increases the release of GABA which in turn increases the release of dopamine which causes feelings of pleasure and calm

Answer 30

true