Psychopharmacology Lecture Notes

Flashcards covering key concepts from Psychopharmacology lecture notes for exam preparation.

What is the primary goal of psychopharmacology?

To understand and manipulate mood, sensation, perception, thinking, and behavior in terms of chemistry.

What is Citalopram primarily used to treat?

Major depressive disorder.

What are the three possible actions a neurotransmitter can take?

Excitatory, inhibitory, and modulatory.

What does 'monoamine dysregulation' refer to?

Dysfunction related to the neurotransmitters serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine, often linked to psychological disorders.

What neurotransmitter is often targeted to treat anxiety and depression?

Serotonin.

What is the role of dopamine in the brain?

Reward-mediated behavior, movement, appetite, mood, memory.

What happens to neurotransmitters after they are released into the synaptic cleft?

They can be reabsorbed by the presynaptic neuron, broken down by enzymes, or diffuse away.

How do SSRIs affect neurotransmitter levels?

They block the reuptake of serotonin, increasing its availability in the synaptic cleft.

What is allosteric modulation?

When a molecule binds to a receptor away from the original neurotransmitter site, influencing the receptor's function.

What are examples of drugs classified as agonists?

Citalopram (SSRIs) and heroin.

What is the blood-brain barrier?

A semi-permeable membrane that regulates the movement of molecules into the CNS.

What role does norepinephrine play in the body's response to stress?

It is involved in the fight or flight response, increasing heart rate and blood pressure.

What are the main therapeutic uses of dopamine antagonists?

Treating schizophrenia by decreasing dopamine function.

What is the significance of the serotonin pathways in relation to psychological disorders?

They are implicated in mood regulation, anxiety disorders, and depression.

What is the difference between an agonist and an antagonist?

An agonist activates a receptor, while an antagonist blocks or reduces the action of the receptor.

What is co-transmission in neurons?

The ability of a neuron to package and release multiple neurotransmitters simultaneously.

What is the relationship between serotonin and sleep?

Serotonin regulates sleep-wake cycles and is also involved in mood and cognition.

How do voltage-gated ion channels function?

They open in response to changes in membrane voltage, allowing specific ions to flow into or out of the cell.

What is one of the challenges in matching pharmacology to psychology?

Neurochemistry does not neatly match current psychological constructs.

What is collection in the water cycle?

Collection refers to when precipitation gathers in rivers, lakes, and oceans, where it can be stored temporarily.

What role does the sun play in the water cycle?

The sun provides the heat energy necessary for the processes of evaporation and transpiration to occur.

What is evaporation?

Evaporation is the process by which liquid water is transformed into water vapor, often due to heat from the sun.