Introduction to Psychopharmacology

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Questions and Answers

Who first used the term 'psychopharmacology'?

D.I. Match

What is psychopharmacology?

The scientific discipline that studies the effects of drugs on behavior and mental function through its action on the central nervous system.

When did psychopharmacology become a formal discipline?

1920

1938

20th century

1954 (correct)

What is the role of excipients in medications?

Inactive compound that aids in stability and delivery Signup and view all the answers

Psychiatry developed psychotropic drugs while psychology developed psychotherapy.

True Signup and view all the answers

What can medication facilitate in the context of psychotherapy?

Psychotherapeutic access, improve ego functions and cognitive levels required for participation, and enhance patient expectations. Signup and view all the answers

What training do psychologists gain from psychopharmacology education?

Enhanced communication with physicians Signup and view all the answers

What process involves neurotransmitters released by the axon terminal of the presynaptic neuron?

Neurotransmission Signup and view all the answers

What causes vesicles to fuse with the presynaptic membrane?

Ca2+ influx Signup and view all the answers

The binding of the neurotransmitter to receptor molecules in the postsynaptic membrane opens ion channels, permitting an ion flow and initiating an ______ postsynaptic potential.

excitatory or inhibitory Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of autoreceptors in neurotransmission?

To regulate neurotransmitter release Signup and view all the answers

Depolarization is the process where the inside of the cell becomes more negatively charged compared to the outside.

False Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for a biochemical entity that a drug first binds to elicit its effect?

Pharmacological target Signup and view all the answers

Match the neurotransmitter removal mechanism with its description:

Diffusion = The neurotransmitter drifts away from the synaptic cleft. Degradation = An enzyme changes the structure of the neurotransmitter. Reuptake = The neurotransmitter is taken back into the axon terminal. Signup and view all the answers

Pharmacodynamics refers to what the body does to the drug.

False Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Origin and Role of Psychopharmacology

Term "Psychopharmacology" first used by D.I. Match in the 1920s, envisioning it as a future discipline.
H.P.J. Purkinje conducted self-experiments with drugs in the 1930s, contributing to the field's evolution.
Recognized as a formal discipline around 1954, initially referred to as "Pharmacology of behavior," focusing on the drug-behavior relationship.
Integrates neuroscience and studies how drugs impact the nervous system to influence behavior.

Definitions in Psychopharmacology

Psychopharmacology: Scientific study of drug effects on behavior and mental function via the central nervous system.
Drug: Substance that induces physiological changes; can be medications or active compounds.
Psychoactive Drugs: Substances that alter brain function, impacting behavior.
Active Principle: The functional component of a medication, derived from human, animal, plant, or chemical origins.
Excipient: Inactive ingredients in medications that enhance stability, appearance, and ingestion.

Development of Psychopharmacology

Born in the 20th century, it combines pharmacology, psychology, biochemistry, neuroscience, psychiatry, and molecular biology.
Historical interplay between psychiatry and psychology:
- Psychiatry focused on psychotropic drugs; psychology developed psychotherapy.
- Neuroscience seeks to bridge both fields, acknowledging their contributions to neurobiological changes and psychological experiences.

Integration of Psychiatry and Psychology

Both fields aim for cerebral alterations through distinct yet complementary methodologies.
Medications can enhance psychotherapeutic processes by improving cognitive functions and addressing emotional excesses.
Psychotherapy aids in pharmacological adherence, detects toxicity, and can adjust treatment as needed.

Psychopharmacology Training for Psychologists

Training enhances diagnosis and improves patient care.
Facilitates effective communication with physicians regarding medication and symptoms.
Promotes understanding of medications, potential side effects, and when to refer patients for physical health issues.

Cell Communication Mechanisms

Cells communicate primarily through neurotransmission, where neurotransmitters (NTs) are released and interact with receptors.
Mediations often target receptors by activating or blocking them, influencing cell signaling.

Neurotransmission Process

Action Potential Propagation: Initiates at the presynaptic membrane and leads to depolarization.
Calcium Influx: Depolarization causes Ca²⁺ to enter the presynaptic terminal, triggering neuron communication.
Vesicle Fusion: Ca²⁺ promotes fusion of vesicles with the presynaptic membrane, releasing NTs into the synaptic cleft.
Receptor Binding: NT binding opens ion channels in the postsynaptic membrane; this creates excitatory or inhibitory postsynaptic potentials.
Signal Spread: Excitatory/inhibitory potentials spread across the dendrites and the axon hillock, determining whether a new action potential occurs.
Neurotransmitter Clearance:
- Enzyme breakdown reduces excess NTs (e.g., acetylcholine).
- Reuptake transporters recycle NTs, slowing synaptic action.

Neurotransmitter Life Cycle

Continuous transport of enzymes and precursors to axon terminals aids in NT synthesis and vesicle maintenance.
Binding to autoreceptors provides feedback to regulate neurotransmitter release via negative feedback mechanisms.

Action Potential Characteristics

Action potential is a rapid change in membrane potential essential for cell-to-cell communication.
Depolarization (caused by Na⁺ influx) is crucial for action potential generation, followed by repolarization.

Pharmacological Targets

Pharmacological targets are biochemical entities where drugs exert their effects.
Drugs can target various neurotransmitter systems:
- Some drugs act as NT precursors (e.g., tryptophan for serotonin synthesis).
- Modifications can occur in NTs, degrading enzymes, and receptor interactions.

Neurotransmitter Elimination Mechanisms

Diffusion: NTs drift away from synaptic cleft, rendering them inactive.
Degradation: Enzymes alter NT structures to prevent receptor binding (e.g., acetylcholinesterase).
Reuptake: NTs are transported back to the presynaptic neuron, halting their action.

Pharmacodynamics vs Pharmacokinetics

Pharmacodynamics: Studies the effects of drugs on the body and their mechanisms of action.
Pharmacokinetics: Examines how the body processes drugs, encapsulated in the ADME model: Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, and Elimination.

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Description

Explore the origins and definitions of psychopharmacology, a discipline studying the effects of drugs on behavior and mental functions. Learn about its evolution from the 1920s to the formal recognition in 1954, and delve into key concepts like psychoactive drugs and active principles.