Psychopharmacology Exam 2 Review

Flashcards covering vocabulary from the Psychopharmacology Exam review notes.

Clinical Depression

A mood disorder characterized by a persistent feeling of sadness, emptiness, low self-esteem, and lack of interest in previously enjoyed activities.

Antidepressant

Medications prescribed to alleviate symptoms of depression.

Anhedonia

Inability to feel pleasure or enjoyment from activities that are typically found enjoyable.

Reactive Dysphoria

A temporary mood disturbance occurring in response to a significant event or loss.

Tyramine Intolerance

A dietary sensitivity to tyramine, which can lead to severe hypertension and cardiac events when consuming certain foods.

Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs)

A class of antidepressants that inhibit the enzyme monoamine oxidase, increasing levels of neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine and serotonin.

Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs)

A class of antidepressants that work by blocking the reuptake of neurotransmitters like norepinephrine and serotonin.

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)

Antidepressants that work by blocking the reabsorption of serotonin in the brain, increasing its availability.

Norepinephrine-Dopamine Reuptake Inhibitors (NDRIs)

A class of antidepressants, including Bupropion, that increase levels of norepinephrine and dopamine.

Agranulocytosis

A potentially fatal decrease in white blood cells, often associated with certain medications, notably antipsychotics.

Psychopharmacological Intervention

Use of medications to treat various mental health disorders, addressing symptoms and underlying issues.

Benzodiazepines

A class of medications commonly used to treat anxiety, panic disorders, and insomnia, often used in detoxification settings.

Extrapyramidal Symptoms (EPS)

Movement disorders caused by antipsychotic medications, including symptoms like tremors, rigidity, and bradykinesia.

Lithium Toxicity

A condition that occurs when levels of lithium in the blood become excessively high, leading to serious health risks.

Self-Medication Hypothesis

The theory that individuals may use substances to alleviate symptoms of underlying mental health conditions.

Diurnal Variations in Mood

Fluctuations in mood that follow a daily pattern, often feeling worse in the mornings.

Black Box Warning

A strict warning placed on a prescription drug by the FDA when there is reasonable evidence of an associated risk of serious or life-threatening hazards.

Vegetative Symptoms

Physical symptoms associated with depression, including sleep disturbances, appetite changes, and fatigue.

Dual Diagnosis

The coexistence of a mental health disorder and substance use disorder.

Polypharmacy

The concurrent use of multiple medications by a patient, often increasing risk for side effects and adverse outcomes.