Biological Foundations of Behaviour

A collection of flashcards covering key concepts from the Biological Foundations of Behaviour lecture.

What is psychopharmacology?

The study of how drugs affect the nervous system and behaviour.

What are psychoactive drugs?

Substances that act to alter mood, thought, or behaviour and are used to manage neuropsychological illness.

What is the safest and most common route of drug administration?

Oral administration.

What is the blood-brain barrier (BBB)?

A barrier that helps prevent most substances from entering the brain via the bloodstream.

What types of molecules can easily cross the blood-brain barrier?

Small, uncharged molecules (e.g., oxygen and carbon dioxide).

What is an agonist in the context of drug action at synapses?

A substance that enhances the function of a synapse.

What type of drug blocks the function of a synapse?

An antagonist.

What are the three classes of antidepressants?

1. Monoamine Oxidase (MAO) Inhibitors; 2. Tricyclic Antidepressants; 3. Second-Generation Antidepressants.

What effect do narcotic analgesics have?

They possess sleep-inducing (narcotic) and pain-relieving (analgesic) properties.

How do stimulant drugs affect metabolism?

They cause a general increase in the metabolic activity of cells.

What is sensitization in drug response?

Increased responsiveness to successive equal doses of a drug.

What is addiction as described in the notes?

A desire for a drug manifested by frequent use, leading to physical dependence and withdrawal symptoms.

What is the HPA axis?

The hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis that regulates stress response and hormone release.

What are the two types of stress responses?

Fast-acting (activation of sympathetic nervous system) and slow-acting (activation of parasympathetic nervous system).

What role does the hypothalamus play in hormone regulation?

It links the nervous system to the endocrine system and regulates the release of hormones.

What hormone does the adrenal medulla primarily secrete?

Epinephrine (adrenaline).

How does chronic stress affect the hippocampus?

Excess cortisol for long periods can damage neurons in the hippocampus, affecting its functioning.

What are the negative impacts of prolonged stress described in the notes?

Reduced immune functioning, depleted energy stores, muscle fatigue, and decreased reproductive capacity.

What is the role of the pineal gland?

It secretes the hormone melatonin, which regulates sleep cycles.

What are the different types of hormones involved in the endocrine system?

1. Peptide hormones (e.g., insulin); 2. Steroid hormones (e.g., cortisol); 3. Amine hormones (e.g., epinephrine).

How do drugs affect steroid hormones?

Certain drugs can mimic or inhibit steroid hormones, affecting processes such as stress response and metabolism.

What is the effect of drugs on peptide hormones?

Drugs can alter the secretion or action of peptide hormones, which can impact functions like glucose regulation (e.g., insulin).

How do substances affect amine hormones?

Some drugs can either enhance or block the action of amine hormones, influencing mood and reactions to stress (e.g., antidepressants affecting norepinephrine).

What is the role of hormone regulation in the context of psychopharmacology?

Many psychotropic drugs can influence hormones like cortisol and epinephrine, affecting mood and stress responses.

What is serotonin and its role in the body?

Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that contributes to feelings of well-being and happiness. It regulates mood, appetite, and sleep.

How do drugs affect serotonin levels?

Certain drugs, especially antidepressants like SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors), increase serotonin levels by preventing its reabsorption in the brain.

What is dopamine and its function?

Dopamine is a neurotransmitter involved in reward, motivation, and motor function. It plays a key role in the brain's pleasure and reward system.

How do drugs influence dopamine?

Many drugs, such as stimulants (e.g., cocaine and amphetamines), increase dopamine levels or mimic its effects, enhancing feelings of pleasure and euphoria.

What types of drugs impact serotonin and dopamine?

1. Antidepressants (e.g., SSRIs and SNRIs) affect serotonin; 2. Stimulants (e.g., cocaine, amphetamines) affect dopamine; 3. Antipsychotics target both neurotransmitters to manage symptoms.