PSY 100: Module 10

Flashcards covering key vocabulary terms related to dreams, substance use disorders, drug classes (depressants, stimulants, hallucinogens), and influences on drug use, based on Modules 9 & 10.

REM (Rapid Eye Movement)

The sleep stage during which dreams usually occur.

Freud’s theory of dreams

Dreams provide psychic safety, allowing us to discharge unacceptable feelings.

Manifest content

The actual content of a dream; the symbolic, remembered storyline.

Latent content

The hidden, underlying meaning of a dream.

Information processing theory of dreams

Dreams help us process and store memories, sorting out the day's events and consolidating memories.

Physiological function theory of dreams (Neural pathways theory)

Dreams keep the brain stimulated, which helps develop and preserve neural pathways.

Activation synthesis theory of dreams

The brain's attempt to synthesize random neural activity, where REM sleep triggers neural activity that evokes random visual memories, which the sleeping brain weaves into stories.

Cognitive development theory of dreams

Dream content reflects our cognitive stage, knowledge, and understanding, simulating our lives.

Substance use disorder

A compulsive pattern of drug use despite negative consequences (DSM-5 definition).

Tolerance

Needing more and more of a drug to achieve effects previously experienced at lower doses.

Addiction

Compulsive substance use with negative consequences.

Withdrawal

Negative symptoms experienced when drug use is discontinued.

Depressants

Drugs that reduce neural activity and slow body functions, often leading to decreased heart rate and blood pressure.

Alcohol use disorder

Marked by tolerance, withdrawal, and a drive to continue problematic alcohol use, leading to slower neural processing and memory disruption.

Barbiturates

A type of depressant drug.

Opioids

A type of depressant drug, including prescription pain relievers and heroin.

Stimulants

Drugs that excite neural activity and speed up body functions, often leading to increased heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature.

Amphetamines

A type of stimulant drug.

Cocaine

A type of stimulant drug.

Ecstasy (MDMA)

A drug that can act as both a stimulant and a hallucinogen.

Caffeine

A type of stimulant drug.

Nicotine

A highly addictive type of stimulant drug.

Hallucinogens

Psychedelic drugs that distort perceptions and evoke sensory images in the absence of sensory input.

LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide)

A type of hallucinogen drug.

Marijuana

A drug that can cause perceptual changes and is classified as a hallucinogen.

Biological influences on disordered drug use

Factors such as genetic predispositions and variations in neurotransmitter systems.

Psychological influences on disordered drug use

Factors such as a lacking sense of purpose, significant stress, or psychological disorders like depression.

Social-cultural influences on disordered drug use

Factors such as a difficult environment, cultural acceptance of drug use, and negative peer influences.