Psychopharmacology Chapter 2

Questions and Answers

What are extrapyramidal symptoms (EPSs)?

Serious neurologic symptoms that are major side effects of antipsychotic drugs.

What is akathisia?

An intense need to move about.

Which of the following are anticholinergic side effects?

Blurred near vision (correct)

Orthostatic hypotension (correct)

Dry mouth (correct)

Severe headache

What is the definition of half-life?

The time it takes for half of the drug to be removed from the bloodstream. Signup and view all the answers

What does the kindling process refer to?

The snowball-like effect seen when minor seizure activity builds up into more frequent and severe seizures. Signup and view all the answers

What is the limbic system?

An area of the brain located above the brain stem that includes the thalamus, hypothalamus, hippocampus, and amygdala. Signup and view all the answers

What are antipsychotic drugs used for?

To treat symptoms of psychosis such as delusions and hallucinations. Signup and view all the answers

What are anxiolytic drugs used to treat?

Anxiety and anxiety disorders, insomnia, OCD, depression, PTSD, and alcohol withdrawal. Signup and view all the answers

What does a black box warning indicate?

That package inserts must have a highlighted box with a warning about serious or life-threatening side effects. Signup and view all the answers

What is computed tomography (CT)?

A procedure that uses x-ray beams to take cross-sectional images. Signup and view all the answers

What is a depot injection?

A time-release form of intramuscular medication for maintenance therapy. Signup and view all the answers

What role does dopamine play in the nervous system?

It is involved in the control of complex movements, motivation, cognition, and emotional regulation. Signup and view all the answers

What is norepinephrine also known as?

Noradrenaline. Signup and view all the answers

What is dystonia?

Includes muscular rigidity and cramping, and difficulty swallowing. Signup and view all the answers

What is off-label use of a drug?

When a drug proves effective for a disease that differs from its approved indications. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Neurobiologic Theories and Extrapyramidal Symptoms (EPSs)

Extrapyramidal symptoms (EPSs) are serious neurologic side effects associated with antipsychotic medications.
Common EPSs include acute dystonia, pseudoparkinsonism, and akathisia.

Akathisia

Characterized by an intense, uncontrollable need to move.

Anticholinergic Side Effects

Can occur during antipsychotic treatment, causing symptoms such as:
- Orthostatic hypotension
- Dry mouth
- Constipation
- Urinary hesitance or retention
- Blurred near vision
- Dry eyes and photophobia
- Nasal congestion
- Decreased memory function

Antidepressant Drugs

Primarily prescribed for:
- Major depressive disorders
- Anxiety disorders
- Depressed phases in bipolar disorder
- Psychotic depression

Antipsychotic Drugs

Previously known as neuroleptics, used to address symptoms of psychosis, including:
- Delusions and hallucinations in schizophrenia
- Schizoaffective disorder
- Manic phases of bipolar disorder

Anxiolytic Drugs

Indicated for treating:
- Anxiety and anxiety disorders
- Insomnia
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Depression
- Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Alcohol withdrawal symptoms

Black Box Warning

A mandated warning on drug packaging that highlights the risk of serious or life-threatening side effects.

Computed Tomography (CT)

Also known as computed axial tomography, this imaging technique employs a precise x-ray beam to capture cross-sectional images layer by layer.

Depot Injection

A method for delivering intramuscular medication in a time-release format for maintenance therapy.

Dopamine

A crucial neurotransmitter mainly found in the brain stem, implicated in:
- Controlling complex movements
- Motivational drives
- Cognitive function
- Emotional response regulation

Norepinephrine (Noradrenaline)

Predominant neurotransmitter in the nervous system, focused in the brain stem, involved in:
- Attention and learning
- Memory
- Sleep-wake cycles
- Mood regulation

Dystonia

Neuromuscular condition presenting with:
- Muscular rigidity and cramping
- Stiff or thick tongue, leading to swallowing difficulties
- Severe cases may cause laryngospasm and respiratory complications

Half-Life

The duration required for half of a drug to be eliminated from the bloodstream.

Kindling Process

Describes the escalating frequency and severity of seizures, where minor seizure activities compound over time.

Limbic System

Brain region situated above the brain stem comprising the thalamus, hypothalamus, hippocampus, and amygdala, crucial in emotion and memory processing.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

Imaging technique creating a visual scan through a magnetic field and radio waves.

Mood-Stabilizing Drugs

Used to manage bipolar disorder, focusing on stabilizing mood swings and treating acute manic episodes.

Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome

A potential fatal reaction to antipsychotic drugs, presenting with:
- Rigidity
- High fever
- Autonomic instability and diaphoresis
- Delirium
- Elevated creatine phosphokinase levels

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Description

Explore the neurobiologic theories and extrapyramidal symptoms associated with antipsychotic medications in this insightful quiz. Delve into the serious neurologic side effects, including acute dystonia and akathisia, to understand their implications on treatment. Test your knowledge on the complexities of these symptoms and their management.