PSYC 3403 - Quiz - Midterm

Pharmacokinetics

• The time course of a drug's actions, describes how it gets into the body, where it goes, how it is broken down, and how it is eliminated.
• C max: maximum drug concentration in the body.
• C min: minimum drug concentration in the body.
• Therapeutic range: the concentration of a drug in the blood that produces the desired effect without being toxic
• Toxic range: the concentration of a drug in the blood that can cause adverse effects or overdose.

Drug Administration

• Enteral: Oral and rectal administration.
• Parenteral: Inhalation, mucous membranes, transdermal patches, and injections.
• Oral: Pill coating is needed for gastric intestinal resistance. Liquid form dissolves faster than tablets or capsules.
• Rectal: Administrated through suppository, used in restricted conditions, poor absorption parameters.
• Inhalation: Rapid exchange between lungs and blood, rapid delivery to the brain.
• Mucous Membranes: Absorbed through the mucous membranes directly into the bloodstream.
• Transdermal Patch: Continuous, controlled release.

Drug Tolerance and Dependence

• Drug Tolerance: The body adapts, requiring more of the drug for the same effect.
• Metabolic Tolerance: Increased production of CP450, making your body better at breaking down the drug.
• Pharmacodynamic Tolerance: Receptor down-regulation, the target in the body becomes less responsive.
• Contingent Tolerance: Behavioral conditioning, tolerance built within a specific setting.

Drug Dependence

• The body has adapted and needs the drug to function normally; withdrawal symptoms occur without the drug.

Brain Development and Structure

• The relationship between skull and brain is dynamic; the skull thinning to accommodate brain growth.
• Convolution and folding increase brain surface area without increasing skull size.

Membrane Structure

• Phospholipid Bilayer: Cell membrane composed of a double layer of phospholipid molecules.
• Hydrophilic Head: Water-loving part of the phospholipid molecule.
• Hydrophobic Tails: Water-hating part of the phospholipid molecule.
• Semipermeable Membrane: Allows certain substances to pass while blocking others.

Ions Channels and Proteins

• Ion Channels: Transport ions across the cell membrane.
• Proteins: Crucial in cellular functions, including signaling and transport.

Neuron Components

• Cell Body: Contains the nucleus, central part of the neuron.
• Axon: Carries signal away from the cell body.
• Dendrites: Receive signals from other neurons.
• Axon Terminal: End of the axon, transmits signals to other neurons.

Myelin Sheath and Node of Ranvier

• Myelin Sheath: Insulating fatty substance covering the axon.
• Nodes of Ranvier: Gaps in the myelin sheath, allowing signal transmission.

Ion Concentration and Gradient

• Sodium (Na+): More concentrated outside the cell.
• Potassium (K+): More concentrated inside the cell.
• Sodium-Potassium Pump: Actively pumps sodium out of the cell and potassium into the cell.

Electrical Gradient

• Inside of the cell is more negative than the outside.

Signal Transmission

• The neuron's signal is like a snowball rolling downhill, with the sodium-potassium pump creating the potential energy.
• Action Potential: Rapid change in electrical charge that propagates the signal down the neuron.

Voltage-Gated Ion Channels

• Voltage-gated Sodium Channels: Open when the membrane potential becomes more positive, allowing sodium influx.
• Voltage-gated Potassium Channels: Open when the membrane potential becomes more positive, allowing potassium efflux.

Action Potential Process

• Stimulus causes sodium channels to open, sodium influx.
• Membrane potential becomes more positive.
• Potassium channels open, potassium efflux.
• Membrane potential returns to resting state.
• Action potential travels down the axon.

Synaptic Transmission

• Process of signal transmission between two neurons.
• Synapse: Junction between neurons.
• Synaptic Cleft: Gap between neurons.
• Presynaptic Neuron: Releases neurotransmitters.
• Postsynaptic Neuron: Receives neurotransmitters.
• Neurotransmitter: Chemical messenger between neurons.
• Steps of Neurotransmission: Synthesis, Storage, Release, Binding, Reuptake.
• Vesicle: Membrane-bound sac containing neurotransmitters.
• Exocytosis: Vesicle fuses with the presynaptic membrane and releases neurotransmitters.

Exocytosis and Endocytosis

• Exocytosis: Release of neurotransmitters from the vesicle into the synapse.

Pharmacotherapy for Alcohol Addiction

• Reverse acute effects of alcohol.
• Help with withdrawal symptoms.
• Maintain abstinence.

Comorbidity and Treatment

• Comorbidity: Presence of other conditions alongside alcohol addiction.
• Treatment: Medications (antidepressants) and therapy.

Medications for Alcoholism

• Naltrexone: Opioid antagonist, reduces alcohol's pleasurable effects.
• Acamprosate: GABA agonist, inhibits glutamate receptors, mimicking alcohol's effects without negative consequences.
• Combination Therapy: Naltrexone and acamprosate together are more effective than either alone.

Other Medications Used in Therapy

• Wellbutrin: Dopaminergic agent, activates dopamine reward pathway.
• SSRIs: Increase serotonin levels.
• Buspar: Serotonin 5-HT1A agonist.
• Zofran: Serotonin 3A antagonist.

Types of Alcoholics

• Type A: Later onset heavy drinkers, starting at age 20 or older.
• Type B: Early onset drinkers, starting at age 13-14 years old.

Signs of Addiction

• Interference with work or school.
• Compromised health or diet.
• Negative consequences due to drinking.

Preventative Measures

• Preventative campaigns.
• Counselling services.
• Campus regulations.

Challenges

• Accessibility of alcohol off-campus.