Psychopharmacology Exam 2 Review Sheet

These flashcards cover key vocabulary terms and definitions relevant to psychopharmacology, particularly focusing on antidepressants, their mechanism of action, side effects, and broader issues related to mental health treatment.

Reactive dysphoria

A temporary feeling of sadness related to a specific event.

Anhedonia

Inability to feel pleasure or interest in activities that one normally enjoys.

Vegetative symptoms

Symptoms of depression affecting physical functions, including sleep disturbance, appetite changes, fatigue, and decreased sex drive.

Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs)

A class of antidepressants that inhibit the action of monoamine oxidase, stopping the breakdown of certain neurotransmitters.

Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs)

A class of antidepressants that block the reuptake of neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine and serotonin.

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)

A class of antidepressants that selectively block the reuptake of serotonin in the brain.

Norepinephrine Dopamine Reuptake Inhibitors (NDRIs)

A class of antidepressants that inhibit the reuptake of norepinephrine and dopamine.

Side effects of antidepressants

Adverse effects experienced by patients on antidepressants, which may include weight gain, sexual dysfunction, fatigue, and gastrointestinal disturbances.

Black Box Warning

A warning that appears on the labels of prescription drugs that may cause serious adverse effects, especially in children and adolescents.

Co-occurring disorders

The simultaneous presence of a mental health disorder and a substance use disorder.

Self-Medication Hypothesis

The theory suggesting that individuals may use substances to manage their mental health symptoms.

Epigenetics

The study of how environmental factors can alter gene expression.

Lithium

A medication used to treat bipolar disorder, effective in managing mania and as a prophylactic.

Valproate

An anticonvulsant medication also used to treat bipolar disorder and is effective in mixed states.

Atypical antipsychotics

A newer class of medications used to treat psychiatric disorders that often have a broader range of receptor actions and potentially fewer side effects.

Benzodiazepines

A class of medications primarily used to treat anxiety and manage withdrawal symptoms in substance use disorders.

Stimulant medications

Medications used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) by increasing levels of dopamine and norepinephrine.

Herbaceuticals

Natural products used for health benefits, often as alternatives or complementary treatments in mental health.