Addiction and Mental Health Disorders

What is the process of neurotransmission?

Neurotransmission occurs when neurotransmitters are released from vesicles in the presynaptic neuron, cross the synaptic cleft, and bind to receptors on the postsynaptic neuron.

What is the role of endorphins in the brain?

Endorphins provide a sense of well-being and have pain-blocking effects.

How does dopamine affect addiction?

Dopamine is linked to reward processing; its dysregulation can lead to addictive behaviors.

What are the key components of the Mesolimbic reward pathway?

The Mesolimbic pathway involves regions such as the VTA and Nucleus Accumbens and plays a crucial role in the brain's reward system.

How does overproduction of dopamine affect mental health?

Overproduction of dopamine is associated with conditions such as schizophrenia.

What is the impact of underproduction of serotonin?

Underproduction of serotonin is associated with sleep disorders and depression.

What are the clinical manifestations of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)?

Symptoms include persistent sadness, loss of interest (anhedonia), sleep disturbances, weight changes, and thoughts of suicide.

What is the neurotransmitter primarily involved in anxiety disorders?

Norepinephrine and serotonin have significant roles in anxiety disorders.

What happens during alcohol withdrawal?

Alcohol withdrawal can lead to symptoms like anxiety, irritability, tremors, and seizures.

What neurotransmitter is primarily involved in excitatory signaling?

Glutamate is the main excitatory neurotransmitter.

What neurotransmitter is primarily involved in inhibitory signaling?

GABA (Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid) is the main inhibitory neurotransmitter.

How do neurotransmitters undergo re-uptake?

After binding to postsynaptic receptors, neurotransmitters can be reabsorbed into the presynaptic neuron, broken down by enzymes, or drift away.

What is a defining characteristic of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)?

GAD is characterized by chronic and excessive worry for at least six months.

What is the genetic contribution to Major Depressive Disorder?

Genetic factors account for approximately 40% of the risk of developing Major Depressive Disorder.

What is the primary function of acetylcholine?

Acetylcholine is involved in neuromuscular transmission, parasympathetic control, and central modulatory actions.

What are dynorphins?

Dynorphins are endogenous opioid peptides that can modulate pain and stress responses.

What is the relationship between dopamine and reward prediction error?

Dopamine signals discrepancies between expected and received rewards, influencing learning and behavior.

What is the main effect of stimulants such as cocaine and meth?

Stimulants increase levels of dopamine and norepinephrine, leading to heightened alertness and energy.

Describe the concept of tolerance in relation to substance use.

Tolerance refers to the need for higher doses of a substance to achieve the same effect due to neuronal adaptation.

What is the significance of the brain's reward system?

The reward system is essential for behaviors linked to survival, conditioning, and motivation.

What does the term 'serotonergic' refer to?

'Serotonergic' refers to signaling associated with serotonin, particularly regarding mood and food intake regulation.

What characterizes Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)?

ADHD is characterized by persistent patterns of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity.

What are the effects of withdrawal from opioids?

Withdrawal from opioids can lead to symptoms such as pain, anxiety, and gastrointestinal distress.

Define the term 'lethal dose' in pharmacology.

Lethal dose is the amount of a substance that is sufficient to cause death in 50% of test subjects.

What does it mean for a substance to be an agonist?

An agonist is a compound that binds to and activates a receptor, eliciting a biological response.

What is the role of norepinephrine in the brain?

Norepinephrine is involved in alertness, arousal, and stress responses.

What are the primary neurotransmitters associated with mood regulation?

Serotonin and norepinephrine are primarily involved in mood regulation.

How do neurotransmitters affect addiction behaviors?

Neurotransmitters modulate reward pathways, influencing behaviors associated with addiction.

How does chronic substance abuse impact neurotransmitter function?

Chronic substance abuse can alter neurotransmitter levels and receptor sensitivity, leading to dependence.

What psychological and physical symptoms accompany alcohol dependence?

Symptoms can include cravings, tolerance, withdrawal symptoms, and difficulty controlling intake.

What does 'psychological dependence' entail?

Psychological dependence involves emotional or mental reliance on a substance for coping or pleasure.

What is the primary effect of alcohol on neurotransmission?

Alcohol acts primarily as a CNS depressant, enhancing GABA activity and inhibiting glutamate release.

What is the consequence of a 'reward prediction error'?

A reward prediction error can lead to reinforcing behaviors as the brain seeks to optimize rewards.

What does the term 'antagonist' mean in pharmacology?

An antagonist blocks or inhibits the action of neurotransmitters at their receptors.