Clinical psych psychopharmacology classes exam review

Review essential concepts and medications in clinical psychopharmacology for exam preparation. This set includes key terms, drug classes, and mechanisms of action relevant to clinical psychology.

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What is psychopharmacology?

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The study of how drugs affect mental processes and behavior.

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Quiz(24 questions)

Question 1 of 24

1. What is the primary effect of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)?

Terms in this Study Set(24)

Flashcards 1(12)

What is psychopharmacology?

The study of how drugs affect mental processes and behavior.

True or False: All psychiatric medications are addictive.

False - Not all psychiatric medications are addictive; many are non-habit forming.

Compare SSRIs and SNRIs.

- SSRIs: Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors, mainly affect serotonin. - SNRIs: Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors, affect serotonin and norepinephrine.

Fill in the blank: The primary neurotransmitter affected by benzodiazepines is _____.

GABA

What is the role of antipsychotics?

To manage symptoms of psychosis, including delusions and hallucinations.

Cause → Effect: What happens when dopamine levels increase?

Increased dopamine can lead to improved mood but may also trigger psychotic symptoms.

What are common side effects of mood stabilizers?

Weight gain, tremors, nausea, and potential thyroid issues.

True or False: All antidepressants work the same way.

False - Different classes of antidepressants work through various mechanisms.

Name two classes of antidepressants.

- SSRIs - Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs)

What is the function of anxiolytics?

To reduce anxiety symptoms, often enhancing GABA activity.

Describe the therapeutic index.

The ratio between the toxic and therapeutic dose of a drug; a higher index indicates a safer drug.

What does TCA stand for?

Tricyclic Antidepressant, used for depression and chronic pain.

Flashcards 2(12)

What is the primary purpose of psychopharmacology?

To study the effects of medications on mental disorders, optimizing treatment outcomes.

True or False: SSRIs are first-line treatments for depression.

True - Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors help increase serotonin levels.

Fill in the blank: The ___________ hypothesis explains mood disorders.

Monoamine - It suggests imbalances in neurotransmitters like serotonin and norepinephrine.

Compare the effects of benzodiazepines and SSRIs.

Benzodiazepines - fast-acting, used for anxiety. SSRIs - longer-term, used for depression.

What class of drugs treats ADHD?

Stimulants - They increase dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain to enhance attention.

Cause → Effect: What happens if a patient stops taking antipsychotics abruptly?

Withdrawal symptoms can occur, potentially leading to relapse of psychotic symptoms.

What are common side effects of atypical antipsychotics?

Weight gain, diabetes risk, sedation, and movement disorders (e.g., tardive dyskinesia).

Short worked example: Calculate the loading dose for a 70 kg patient.

If the drug's volume of distribution is 0.5 L/kg, loading dose = 70 kg × 0.5 L/kg = 35 L.

What is polypharmacy?

The use of multiple medications by a patient, often seen in older adults for comorbidities.

True or False: Lithium is only used for bipolar disorder.

False - While it's primarily for bipolar disorder, it also treats depression in some cases.

What does the term 'therapeutic index' refer to?

The ratio between the toxic dose and effective dose of a drug, indicating safety.

Fill in the blank: ___________ is an example of a mood stabilizer.

Lithium - It helps prevent mood swings in bipolar disorder.

Questions in this Study Set(24)

1. What is the primary effect of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)?

A.Increase serotonin levels
B.Decrease norepinephrine levels
C.Block dopamine receptors
D.Inhibit GABA activity

2. What is the main goal of psychopharmacology?

A.To examine the effects of drugs on mental health disorders
B.To prescribe medication without monitoring side effects
C.To focus solely on drug interactions
D.To study only physical health conditions

3. Which of the following is NOT a common side effect of antipsychotic medications?

A.Weight gain
B.Tremors
C.Hallucinations
D.Dry mouth

4. Which class of drugs is primarily used to treat anxiety disorders?

A.Antidepressants
B.Benzodiazepines
C.Mood stabilizers
D.Antipsychotics

5. What neurotransmitter is primarily affected by mood stabilizers?

A.Serotonin
B.Dopamine
C.Norepinephrine
D.GABA

6. True or False: Stimulants can be used to treat depression.

A.True
B.False
C.Only in children
D.Only in combination with other medications

7. When might a healthcare provider prescribe a tricyclic antidepressant (TCA)?

A.To treat high blood pressure
B.To alleviate anxiety
C.To treat chronic pain
D.To reduce psychotic symptoms

8. Fill in the blank: The ___________ hypothesis suggests that imbalances in neurotransmitters lead to mood disorders.

A.Neurotransmitter
B.Monoamine
C.Hormonal
D.Psychosocial

9. True or False: Benzodiazepines can lead to tolerance and dependence.

A.True
B.False
C.Depends on the dose
D.Only in elderly patients

10. What can happen if a patient suddenly stops taking their antipsychotic medication?

A.They will become immune to the medication
B.Withdrawal symptoms may occur
C.They will feel better immediately
D.Their dosage can be reduced significantly

11. Which medication class is primarily used to treat anxiety disorders?

A.Antidepressants
B.Anxiolytics
C.Antipsychotics
D.Stimulants

12. Which of the following is NOT a common side effect of atypical antipsychotics?

A.Weight gain
B.Sedation
C.Improved mood
D.Movement disorders

13. What is the therapeutic index of a drug?

A.The ratio of a drug's efficacy to its cost
B.The ratio between the toxic and therapeutic dose
C.The duration of action in the body
D.The amount of time it takes to feel the effects

14. What term describes the use of multiple medications by a single patient?

A.Monotherapy
B.Polypharmacy
C.Combination therapy
D.Drug rotation

15. What is a common side effect of SNRIs?

A.Increased appetite
B.Nausea
C.Weight loss
D.Increased energy

16. What is the therapeutic index?

A.The ratio of the effective dose to the toxic dose of a drug
B.The time it takes for a drug to take effect
C.The maximum dose that can be safely prescribed
D.The method of drug delivery

17. Which of the following is a method used to assess the effectiveness of antidepressants?

A.Blood tests
B.Mood rating scales
C.Brain imaging
D.Physical exams

18. Which of the following medications is an example of a mood stabilizer?

A.Sertraline
B.Lithium
C.Alprazolam
D.Haloperidol

19. In relation to dopamine levels, what potential effect can occur with high doses of stimulants?

A.Improved cognitive function
B.Psychotic symptoms
C.Slowed heart rate
D.Elevated mood without side effects

20. True or False: SSRIs are used to treat both anxiety and depression.

A.True
B.False
C.Only for depression
D.Only for anxiety

21. Which class of antidepressants is known for having the most side effects?

A.SSRIs
B.SNRIs
C.TCAs
D.MAOIs

22. What is the loading dose formula used for?

A.To determine the total amount of drug to be taken daily
B.To calculate the initial dose needed to reach therapeutic levels
C.To assess drug interactions with food
D.To establish maintenance therapy

23. True or False: All psychiatric medications are safe to mix with alcohol.

A.True
B.False
C.Only in moderation
D.Depends on the type of medication

24. What is the effect of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) on serotonin levels?

A.They decrease serotonin availability
B.They increase serotonin levels
C.They block serotonin receptors
D.They have no effect on serotonin

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