Neurotransmission and CNS Mechanisms
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Questions and Answers

Which of the following is NOT a common symptom of migraine headaches?

  • Increased appetite (correct)
  • Hypersensitivity
  • Fatigue
  • Sensory disturbances

    • The trigeminal nerve is thought to play a role in migraine headaches.

    True (A)

    What type of medication is often used to treat migraines by targeting serotonin receptors?

    Triptans

    The ______ gland is responsible for producing melatonin.

    <p>pineal</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following sleep structures with their functions:

    <p>RAS = Filter sensory information from the periphery Thalamus = Regulates circadian rhythm Hypothalamic suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) = Controls arousal and wakefulness Pineal Gland = Synthesizes melatonin Sensory Pathways = Communicate sensory information to the pineal gland and RAS</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Melatonin production increases with age.

    <p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of REM sleep?

    <p>Decreased brain activity (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is polysomnography?

    <p>Sleep study</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Benzodiazepines and non-benzodiazepines are examples of ______ agonists, which are frequently used to treat insomnia.

    <p>GABA</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Stimulants like caffeine and nicotine can contribute to insomnia.

    <p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a symptom of ADHD?

    <p>Increased appetite (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary type of medication prescribed to treat ADHD?

    <p>Amphetamines/Methamphetamines</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Alzheimer's Disease is characterized by the accumulation of ______ plaques and protein fiber ______ in the brain.

    Signup and view all the answers

    What effect do agonists have on central nervous system neurotransmitters?

    <p>They increase their activity (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Anticholinergic agents stimulate the activity of acetylcholine in the body.

    <p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary effect of adrenergic agents on the body?

    <p>They stimulate the sympathetic nervous system.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The neurotransmitter that is primarily responsible for calming effects in the body is known as __________.

    <p>inhibitory neurotransmitter</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following headache types with their descriptions:

    <p>Migraine = Severe headache often with nausea and light sensitivity Tension = Feels like a tight band around the forehead Cluster = Excruciating pain typically behind one eye Sinus = Pain from sinus pressure or infection</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following neurotransmitters is often produced in large quantities by the gastrointestinal tract?

    <p>Serotonin (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Chronic headaches occur occasionally and are often triggered by external factors.

    <p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the acronym S.N.O.O.P stand for in relation to headaches?

    <p>Systemic symptoms, Neurologic symptoms, Onset is sudden, Older in age, Progressive.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a common environmental influence associated with delusions?

    <p>Education (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Psychosis can only occur as a chronic condition.

    <p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role do benzodiazepines play in anxiety treatment?

    <p>They increase GABA levels to have an inhibitory effect.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The primary neurotransmitter targeted by SSRIs is __________.

    <p>serotonin</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which is NOT a characteristic of depression?

    <p>Intense fear (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following drug classes with their effects:

    <p>Antidepressants = Increase serotonin levels Benzodiazepines = Increase GABA levels Lithium = Stabilizes mood and reduces impulsivity Psychedelic Drugs = Promote neuroplasticity</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Serotonin syndrome is a result of excessive serotonin in the body.

    <p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary reason for monitoring lithium levels in patients?

    <p>To prevent toxicity due to its narrow therapeutic index.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Patients with mood disorders have a __________ greater risk of suicide.

    <p>30x</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main neurotransmitter associated with schizophrenia?

    <p>Dopamine (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Antipsychotics primarily target the serotonin receptors to manage schizophrenia symptoms.

    <p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Name a common symptom of anxiety disorders.

    <p>Intense fear or panic attacks</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The __________ dimension of schizophrenia is characterized by disconnected thought processes.

    <p>disorganized</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following antidepressants is considered an atypical antidepressant?

    <p>Mirtazapine (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following types of anxiety to their characteristics:

    <p>Generalized Anxiety = Excessive and uncontrollable worry Panic Disorder = Interactions with past experiences Social Phobia = Fear of social situations Phobia = Irrational fear of specific objects</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which is the primary neurotransmitter deficit found in dementia?

    <p>Acetylcholine (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Migraine headaches are less common in adult women due to hormonal differences.

    <p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are the two main categories for the etiology of hallucinations?

    <p>Sensory Block and Neuronal Dysfunction</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In Alzheimer's Disease, the accumulation of beta-________ leads to neuronal loss.

    <p>amyloid</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following psychiatric disorders with their descriptions:

    <p>Anxiety = Fear and apprehension about future events Depression = Persistent feelings of sadness and loss of interest Schizophrenia = Disorder characterized by hallucinations and delusions Bipolar Disorder = Mood disorder with alternating periods of high and low moods</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is often used to increase melatonin levels in individuals with sleep disorders?

    <p>Melatonin supplements (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Parkinson's Disease is primarily caused by the destruction of serotonin neurons.

    <p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary effect of the pineal gland's melatonin secretion?

    <p>Inducing drowsiness</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The main symptoms of ________ include forgetfulness, behavioral changes, and an inability to complete daily activities.

    <p>Alzheimer's Disease</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following medications with their appropriate disorders they are used to treat:

    <p>Ritalin = ADHD Rivastigmine = Alzheimer's Disease Levodopa = Parkinson's Disease Temazepam = Insomnia</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What percentage of adults experience chronic migraines?

    <p>12% (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Cholinesterase inhibitors are used to decrease acetylcholine levels in patients with dementia.

    <p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Identify the two types of medications used for treating insomnia.

    <p>Benzodiazepines and Non-Benzodiazepines</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Symptoms of ______ include fidgeting, trouble organizing tasks, and procrastination.

    <p>ADHD</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following sleep cycles with their characteristics:

    <p>REM = Increased dreaming and muscle paralysis NREM = The phase of restful sleep without dreaming Onset = Initial phase of sleep with decreased RAS activity Deep Sleep = Important for physical restoration and recovery</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Neurotransmission

    • Neurotransmitters (NTs) are released at synapses, binding to receptors on postsynaptic neurons.
    • This binding either stimulates or inhibits an action potential.
    • Some NTs are excitatory, some inhibitory, and some have mixed activity (e.g., acetylcholine).
    • NTs are removed from the synaptic cleft by enzymatic degradation (e.g., COMT, MAO, acetylcholinesterase) or recycling (transport and repackaging).

    Agonism and Antagonism

    • Agonists or enzyme inhibitors increase central nervous system (CNS) neurotransmitters.
    • Antagonists decrease CNS neurotransmitter action.
    • Some CNS NTs also exist in the peripheral nervous system (PNS), so changes affect the entire body (e.g., norepinephrine, acetylcholine, serotonin).
    • The GI tract produces substantial amounts of serotonin.
    • NTs with high affinity for specific receptors cause specific side effects.

    Cellular Depolarization

    • Cellular depolarization involves calcium and sodium influx, potassium efflux.

    Cholinergic System

    • Cholinergic agents mimic or enhance acetylcholine activity, stimulating neurons.
    • Associated with rest and digest functions in the PNS.
    • Examples include increased salivation, reduced heart rate and blood pressure, increased GI activity (diarrhea).
    • Anticholinergic agents suppress acetylcholine activity.

    Adrenergic/Catecholamine/Inotrope System

    • These agents stimulate the sympathetic nervous system (SNS).
    • Associated side effects include anxiety, rapid heart rate, sweating.
    • Examples include epinephrine, norepinephrine, dopamine, dobutamine.

    Adrenergic Antagonists

    • Adrenergic antagonists block sympathetic nervous system stimulation.
    • Beta-blockers are an example.
    • Sympathomimetic agents mimic the sympathetic nervous system by acting mainly on norepinephrine, epinephrine, and acetylcholine.

    Headaches

    • Headaches are symptomatic of various causes, including imbalances in neurotransmitters, hormones, electrolytes, or cranial nerve irritation.
    • Acute headaches relate to a trigger.
    • Chronic headaches occur regularly.
    • Treatment depends on the cause, often involving analgesics.
    • SNOOP criteria aid in headache analysis (Systemic symptoms, Neurologic symptoms, Onset sudden, Older age, Progressive, Positional change, precipitators, Papilledema)

    Migraine

    • Migraines affect 12% of adults.
    • Common cause in adult women linked to estrogen fluctuations and genetics as well as higher incidence in adult women.
    • Theories suggest trigeminal nerve irritation leading to meningeal vasculature inflammation.
    • Auras (unusual sensations) can precede a migraine.
    • Symptoms range from fatigue and hypersensitivity to sensory disturbances to systemic symptoms.
    • Treatment involves analgesics, serotonin agonists (triptans), and botulinum toxin injections.

    Sleep

    • Sleep is a period of unconsciousness, inactivity, and restoration.
    • Structures regulating sleep include the RAS, thalamus, SCN, pineal gland, and sensory pathways.
    • The SCN and melatonin secretion regulate sleep onset.
    • Sleep cycles involve decreased RAS activity and increased melatonin levels.
    • REM sleep is associated with dreaming, muscle paralysis, and elevated vital signs.
    • Melatonin is a hormone crucial for inducing drowsiness

    Insomnia

    • Insomnia is characterized by difficulty initiating or maintaining sleep.
    • Factors impacting insomnia include age, menopause, medical conditions, stimulant and drug usage, and medication side effects.
    • Diagnosis often involves self-assessment and polysomnography (sleep study).
    • Treatment may include melatonin, GABA agonists (benzodiazepines or non-benzodiazepines), or sedatives.

    ADHD

    • ADHD (attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder) involves symptoms like fidgeting, impulsivity, difficulty concentrating, and organizational issues.
    • Treatment typically involves stimulants, and the most common medications are amphetamines and their related compounds.

    Dementia

    • Dementia is an umbrella term for neurocognitive disorders that affect memory and daily functioning.
    • Neurotransmitter deficits are implicated.

    Alzheimer's Disease

    • Alzheimer's Disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder leading to memory loss and cognitive decline.
    • Pathology involves amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles, leading to neuronal loss.
    • Treatment focuses on increasing acetylcholine levels.

    Parkinson's Disease

    • Parkinson's Disease is a movement disorder linked to dopamine neuron loss.
    • Pathology features Lewy bodies.
    • Defining symptoms appear at stage 4/5.
    • Treatment aims at increasing dopamine levels using dopamine agonists.

    Psychiatric Disorders

    • Psychiatric disorders affect thoughts, mood, or behaviors.
    • Diagnosis is based on the DSM-5 classification criteria.
    • Examples include anxiety disorders, depression, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder.

    Hallucinations

    • Hallucinations are sensory perceptions without external stimuli.
    • Causes include sensory deprivation, pathway dysfunction, and neuronal hyperactivity.

    Delusions

    • Delusions are false beliefs about facts or personal status.
    • Common causes include existential factors and environment.

    Psychosis

    • Psychosis involves a loss of touch with reality.
    • Its causes include mental illnesses, drug side effects, electrolyte imbalances, and other conditions.

    Anxiety

    • Anxiety involves intense fear impacting the sympathetic nervous system.
    • Symptoms include elevated vital signs and sweating.
    • Treatment includes GABA agonists (benzodiazepines) or serotonin enhancers.

    Depression

    • Depression is characterized by lack of interest, motivation, and pleasure.
    • Possible causes include neurotransmitter imbalances, drug use, past trauma, and medical conditions.
    • Treatment involves targeting neurotransmitters such as serotonin and norepinephrine.
    • Treatment involves medication (SSRIs, SNRIs, or tricyclics) or MAOIs.

    Serotonin Syndrome

    • Serotonin syndrome results from excessive serotonin levels.
    • Symptoms can include altered mental state, sweating, diarrhea, muscle rigidity, and others.

    Ketamine for Depression

    • Ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic with potential for treating depression.
    • It acts on glutamate, opioid, and serotonin receptors.

    Adjunct Treatments (Mood Stabilizers)

    • Mood stabilizers like lithium are often used to help lessen suicide risk.
    • Lithium management includes serum monitoring and awareness of potential drug interactions.

    Psychedelic Treatment

    • Psychedelic therapies target mood or other CNS disorders.
    • The therapeutic effects include neuro-plastic changes.
    • Examples include ketamine and psilocybin.

    Schizophrenia

    • Schizophrenia is a chronic mental illness characterized by disordered thoughts, speech, and behavior.
    • Genetic and structural factors are potential causes.
    • Positive symptoms (e.g., delusions, hallucinations), negative symptoms (e.g., apathy, withdrawal), and disorganized symptoms (e.g., disorganized speech) are common.
    • Treatment includes antipsychotics targeting D2 receptors in the limbic system.
    • Side effects may include extrapyramidal and anticholinergic effects.

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    Explore the fascinating world of neurotransmission with this quiz, covering essential concepts such as neurotransmitter release, binding, and the effects of agonists and antagonists. Delve into cellular depolarization processes and understand how neurotransmitters influence both the central and peripheral nervous systems.

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