Mechanism of Psychotropic Drug Action

Question 1

What % of the UK population take antidepressants?

Answer 1

7%

Question 2

Describe the “positive” and negative” symptoms of Schizophrenia

Answer 2

Positive symptoms:
Occur during episodes, i.e. hallucinations, delusions, etc

Negative symptoms:
Occur and accumulate over time. Lack of motivation, reduced speech, emotion, withdrawal

Question 3

Describe the pathophysiology of Bipolar disorder

Answer 3

Starts in young adult life, episodes of depression with manic episodes

Question 4

Noradrenaline is particularly released by which set of neurons in the Brainstem?

Answer 4

Locus coerueus

Question 5

Serotonin is particularly released by which set of neurons in the Brainstem?

Answer 5

Raphe Nuclei

Question 6

Once a GABA receptor is stimulated, what ions flow across the post-synaptic membrane, causing hyperpolarisation?

Answer 6

Chloride, Cl-

Question 7

Anti-psychotic drugs antagonist which receptors?

Answer 7

D2 (Dopamine) receptors

Question 8

Give one example of a first generation D2 antagonising anti-psychotic drug

Answer 8

Haloperidol

Question 9

Give two examples of a second generation D2 antagonising anti-psychotic drug

Answer 9

Olanzapine

Risperidone

Question 10

What is the mechanism of action for Tricyclic Antidepressants?

Answer 10

Block noradreline uptake

Block serotonin uptake

Question 11

What is the mechanism of action of Mono-amine oxidase inhibitors?

Answer 11

Block the action of MAO in nerve terminals, increasing NA, 5-HT, DA availability

Question 12

What is the mechanism of action for Benzodiazepines?

Answer 12

Bind to a site on the GABA receptor, potentiating the effects of GABA ie. the GABA causes more Cl- flux and more inhibition