Psychopharmacology Receptors & Study Notes for PEP

These flashcards cover the key vocabulary and concepts related to psychopharmacology receptors, neurotransmitters, and clinical treatments. They provide definitions and information that are crucial for understanding pharmacological principles in mental health and neuropharmacology.

Alpha-1 Adrenergic Receptors

Receptors primarily in blood vessels; cause constriction to increase blood pressure.

Alpha-2 Adrenergic Receptors

Inhibitory receptors that act as auto-receptors on neurons; involved in blocking pain signaling.

Beta-1 Adrenergic Receptors

Receptors in the heart that are usually inhibitory; stimulation increases heart rate and output.

Beta-2 Adrenergic Receptors

Found mostly in the lungs; dilation of bronchioles enhances airflow.

Nicotinic Receptors

Receptors that bind acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction; generally excitatory.

Muscarinic Receptors

Receptors that can have both excitatory and inhibitory effects; bind acetylcholine.

5HT-1A Receptors

Always inhibitory; involved in anxiety regulation and serotonin release.

5HT-1B/D Receptors

Inhibitory receptors involved in pain modulation and serotonin release.

5HT-2 Receptors

Associated with depression; agonism can lead to anxious effects.

5HT-3 Receptors

Reach in the chemoreceptor trigger zone; involved in nausea and vomiting.

5HT-6 Receptors

Post-synaptic receptors that regulate acetylcholine release and cognitive processes.

5HT-7 Receptors

Excitatory receptors regulating release of serotonin and glutamate in the cortex.

D1 Receptors

Located in the substantia nigra; implicated in motor behavior and parkinsonism.

D2 Receptors

Psychosis and mood regulation; associated with positive and negative symptoms.

Histamine Receptors (H-1)

Involved in alertness and sedation; associated with antihistamine side effects.

GABA-A Receptors

Chloride channels that mediate inhibition in the CNS and can be modulated by benzodiazepines.

Opioid Receptors

Include mu, delta, and kappa; involved in pain regulation and reward pathways.

Lithium Therapeutic Range

0.8-1.2 mEq/mL for mania; >1.5 for toxicity.

Valproate Target Range

Therapeutic levels of 50-115 ug/mL; varies widely in dosages.

Carbamazepine Target Range

4-12 ug/mL; for bipolar target 8-12 ug/mL.

Oxcarbazepine Use

Anticonvulsant; voltage-gated sodium channel blocker.

CYP450 Inhibitors

Substances like grapefruit juice that can increase drug metabolism risks.

CYP450 Inducers

Drugs like carbamazepine that can reduce metabolism of other drugs.

Antidepressants Classification

SSRI, SNRI, TCA, MAOI; varies in mechanism and side effects.

Antipsychotic Types

Includes FGAs and SGAs; effectiveness varies based on receptor activity.

STAR*D Trial

Study assessing the success of depression treatments and their combinations.

TADS Study

Examined long-term outcomes of antidepressants and psychotherapy in adolescents.

Dopamine Regulation

Dopamine receptors play a key role in motivation, mood, and psychosis treatment.

Neuropeptides

Include opioid peptides and regulatory factors in mood and pain pathways.

Anxiety Disorders Treatments

Combination of medication and therapy is often more effective for management.

Behavioral Treatments

More effective for OCD when compulsive; combination therapy for obsessive.

Psychopharmacology of ADHD

Primary treatment includes stimulants; behavioral interventions enhance outcomes.

Seizure Type: Generalized

Seizures that originate in both hemispheres; includes tonic-clonic, absence, myoclonic.

Seizure Type: Partial

Only happens on one side of the brain; includes simple and complex partial.

Ischemic Stroke

Occurs due to blockage of cerebral arteries, affects brain tissue based on supply.

Hemorrhagic Stroke

Occurs when a cerebral artery leaks blood, potentially causing larger damage.

Vascular Dementia

Cognitive decline post-stroke; different from Alzheimer’s disease with distinct profiles.

Alzheimer's Disease

Characterized by loss of cholinergic neurons; plaques and tangles present.

Lewy Body Dementia

Involves visual hallucinations, fluctuating cognition, and motor symptoms.

Frontotemporal Dementia

Behavioral changes and language impairment with differing brain involvement.

Psychotropic Substances

Can have various effects, including alterations in perception, appetite, and behavior.

Withdrawal Syndrome

Symptoms that occur after cessation of certain medications, such as benzodiazepines.

Medication Adherence Factors

Social, economic, and health system-related factors all impact patient compliance.

Clinical Trials Phases

Phases I through IV assess safety, efficacy, and post-approval monitoring of drugs.

Mood Stabilizers

Used primarily for bipolar disorder; monitoring for effectiveness and side effects is crucial.

Epidemiological Factors

Demographic variables affecting treatment access and outcomes for patients.

Integrated Treatment Approaches

Combining pharmacotherapy and psychosocial interventions to enhance outcomes.

Criteria for Depression

Symptoms include persistent sadness, loss of interest, and physical symptoms affecting life.

Hypoglycemia Symptoms

Can mimic psychological disorders; must evaluate blood glucose for diagnosis.

Substance Interaction Risks

Interactions between various pharmacologic treatments can lead to increased toxicity.

Nicotinic Receptor Agonists

Like nicotine, stimulate release of catecholamines; linked with addiction.

Severe Side Effects

Potential for severe reactions including tachycardia, hypertension, sedation in antipsychotic use.

Antidepressant Effectiveness

Varies by individual; pharmacotherapy may be enhanced by psychotherapy integration.

Cognitive Decline Indicators

Monitor for executive functioning issues, memory problems, and behavioral changes in dementia.

Neurotransmitter Pathways

Diverse roles across various disorders; essential for understanding treatment mechanisms.

Diagnosis through Imaging

MRI and other imaging may highlight structural brain changes in neurodegenerative diseases.

Monoamine Hypothesis

Suggests that depression is linked to deficiency in key neurotransmitters.

Anxiolytic Drug Class

Includes benzodiazepines and SSRIs; seeks to reduce anxiety symptoms.