Psychology: Bipolar Disorder & Analgesics

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary effect of Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)?

Block serotonin receptors

Act as a central nervous system depressant

Increase serotonin levels in the synaptic cleft (correct)

Promote dopamine release

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of Major Depression?

Difficulty in concentration

Increased energy and activity (correct)

Persistent low mood

Loss of interest in daily activities

How do drugs affect serotonergic synapse interactions?

By enhancing the uptake of serotonin

By increasing serotonin degradation

By inhibiting serotonin reuptake (correct)

By blocking serotonin receptors

What is a common mechanism through which mood stabilizers operate?

Regulating glutamate levels Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following properties is associated with opioid analgesics?

Risk of dependency and addiction Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of patients with depression do not respond to antidepressants?

20% Signup and view all the answers

Which mechanism is suggested to be involved with lithium in mood stabilizers?

Increases serotonin release Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about opioids is true?

They have sleep-inducing and pain-relieving properties. Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of heroin compared to morphine?

Produces quicker pain relief due to higher fat solubility. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common risk associated with the use of opiates?

Potential for addiction. Signup and view all the answers

Which substance is considered an opiate antagonist that blocks morphine's effects?

Nalorphine Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary effect of mood stabilizers like valproate?

Stimulate GABA activity. Signup and view all the answers

What is an endorphin associated with?

Pain relief and well-being. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary effect of sensitization regarding drug administration?

An increase in the drug's effectiveness Signup and view all the answers

Which type of tolerance occurs due to an increase in the number of enzymes breaking down a substance?

Metabolic tolerance Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes withdrawal symptoms?

Opposite effects from those of the drug when it is discontinued Signup and view all the answers

What is the first symptom likely to occur during withdrawal from alcohol or morphine?

Muscle aches Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes the placebo effect in pharmacology?

It can produce physiological responses similar to active drugs Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a potential risk associated with opioid analgesics?

Increased tolerance Signup and view all the answers

Which mechanism do mood stabilizers primarily influence?

They regulate neurotransmitter levels for mood stabilization Signup and view all the answers

Which type of tolerance involves individuals learning to cope with intoxication?

Behavioral tolerance Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder (manic-depressive illness) is treated with Mood Stabilizers.
Mood Stabilizers mute the intensity of one pole of the disorder, making the other pole less likely to recur.
Lithium may increase serotonin release.
Valproate may stimulate GABA activity.

Opioid Analgesics

Opioid analgesics are drugs with sleep-inducing (narcotic) and pain-relieving (analgesic) properties.
Many opioid analgesics are derived from opium, an extract of the seeds of the opium poppy.
Codeine is an ingredient in cough medicines and pain relievers.
Morphine is a powerful pain reliever.
Heroin is a synthetic opiate drug derived from morphine.
Heroin is more fat soluble and penetrates the blood-brain barrier faster than morphine, leading to rapid pain relief.
Opiates are potentially addictive.

Endorphins

Endorphins are peptide hormones that act as neurotransmitters.
Endorphins may be associated with analgesia and well-being.
Opiate drugs like morphine, heroin, opium, and codeine mimic endorphins.
The "runner's high" may be an evolutionary trait of hunters.

Tolerance

Tolerance is a decrease in response to a drug with repeated use.
Pharmacodynamic (metabolic) tolerance involves an increase in the number of enzymes used to break down the substance.
Pharmacodynamic (cellular, synaptic) tolerance involves adjustments by brain cells to minimize the effects of the substance
Behavioral (learned) tolerance involves people learning to cope with being intoxicated.

Withdrawal Symptoms

Withdrawal symptoms are the opposite of the effects produced by a drug when it is administered repeatedly and then suddenly stopped.
Withdrawal symptoms from alcohol and morphine start within several hours of the last dose and intensify over several days before subsiding.
Examples of withdrawal symptoms include muscle aches and cramps, anxiety attacks, sweating, nausea, convulsions, and death.

Addiction and Dependence

Addiction involves physical and psychological behaviors displayed by an addict when drug use ends.
The addicted brain is characterized by cravings and changes in brain structure.

Placebo Effects

Placebo effects are behavioral effects of drugs in humans induced by expectation.
A placebo is an inert substance given to an organism instead of a physiologically active drug.
Placebos are used experimentally to control for the effects of simply administering a drug.

Principles of Psychopharmacology

Pharmacokinetics: the process by which drugs are absorbed, distributed within the body, metabolized, and excreted (ADME).
Pharmacodynamics: the effect a drug has on the body, including its action at the synapse.
Agonists: drugs that mimic the effects of a neurotransmitter.
Antagonists: drugs that block the effects of a neurotransmitter.

Drug Classification

Antianxiety Agents and Sedative Hypnotics: used to treat anxiety and insomnia.
Antipsychotic Agents: used to treat psychosis, such as schizophrenia.
Antidepressants: used to treat depression and other mood disorders.
Mood Stabilizers: used to treat bipolar disorder.
Opioid Analgesics: used to relieve pain.
Psychomotor Stimulants: used to increase alertness and decrease fatigue.

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Description

Explore the intriguing links between bipolar disorder treatments, opioid analgesics, and the role of endorphins. This quiz covers the mechanisms of mood stabilizers, the nature of opioid analgesics, and how endorphins contribute to pain relief and well-being. Test your knowledge of these important psychological and pharmacological concepts.