What do psychologists need to know about psychopharmalogical treatments? (4)
Common street drugs psychologists need to know about? (7)
What is pharamcodynamics?
How an agent (drug) has an impact. (Inhibiting or activating receptors/enzymes etc).
What is pharmacokinetics?
The way in which a psychotropic agent is passed through the body.
What are the four processes of pharmacokinetics? HINT: DAME PHARMACO
D - A - M - E
What does half-life mean?
Average time it takes to eliminate one half of the drugs concentration from the system.
What is the “Therapeutic Index”?
Ratio of drug effectiveness (therapeutic dose) to drug toxicity.
Should a Therapeutic Index be high or low ideally?
High. A high therapeutic index indicates risk of toxicity is lessened. E.g. safer drug 3000: versus morphine 70:1
What does it mean for a prescribed drug to be antagonistic?
Counters the effect of other drugs.
Name depressants (5). Hint: in a HAAIS
Name opioids (3)
Name hallucinogens (4)
Name stimulants (3)
Name 3 largest classifications of psychotropic medications (3)
Bodily processes impacting pharmacokinetics?
Personal characteristics impacting pharmacokinetics?
What is a psychotropic?
Substance affecting mood, perception, behaviour.
What is acetylcholine involved in?
Memory, Learning and Attention
What is epinephrine involved in?
Fight or flight - discussed in regards to anxiety.
What is norepinephrine involved in?
Wakefulness and alertness.
What is dopamine involved in?
Behaviour regulation, learning, movement, mood. Inhibitory or excitory.
What is serotonin involved in?
Inhibits activity and behaviour. Relates to mood regulation, sleep, appetite.
What is GABA involved in?
Inhibiting neurons to decrease over-excitement.
What disorder implicates dopamine dysfunction?
Schizophrenia.