Psychiatric Drugs Flashcards
(59 cards)
Statistics
Psych drugs were the second most popular class of drugs, with antidepressants being most widely prescribed (2017). A top 5 reason for physician visits.
What is a neuron?
nerve cells that transmit info through signals known as action potential. Neurons can send and receive information from other neurons.
How do neurons communicate with each other?
When they reach the end of the axon, the info must be passed along to other neurons.
What is neurotransmission and where does it take place?
Neurotransmission is when neurons send messages (neurotransmitters) to other neurons at the synapse.
What are the four steps of neurotransmission?
Synthesis, Release, Receptor Action, and Inactivation.
Outline Synthesis.
Building blocks of neurotransmitters (like Dopamine and GABA) are imported into the terminal and packed into small vesicles.
Outline Release.
When action potential reaches the terminal, the channels cause influx of calcium to release the transmitter. They are released across the membrane through exocytosis.
Outline Receptor Action
Transmitter passes synaptic cleft and binds to a receptor on the post synaptic membrane.
Outline Inactivation
Transmitter is either taken back to terminal or inactivated. They can be inactivated by enzymes that break down neurotransmitters or through uptake (pack to pre-synaptic neuron).
Which steps do most psychiatric drugs work on?
They impact the 3rd and 4th step of this process.
What is a psychiatric disorder?
Change in mood, behavior or altered thinking. Also associated with significant distress and impaired function over an extended period of time. This impacts productivity and even health care costs.
What are the causes of psychiatric disorders?
40% biological/physiological, and 60% environmental.
Give some examples of causes.
NDPSM
Neurodevelopmental defect (birth trauma or malnutrition can effect brain while its growing).
Drugs- substance abuse is one reason. The use of amphetamines can increase paranoia, hallucinations and trigger onset for psychotic disorder.
Medical conditions - Stroke (oxygen deprivation can impair area of brain that controls emotions and thinking)
Psychosocial experiences - emotional, physical or sexual abuse and neglect
Stress - financial burden, death etc
What are types of disorders?
Mood disorders such as depression, and bipolar disorder.
Psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia.
Anxiety disorders such as panic, excessive worry and fear.
What are psychiatric drugs used for?
- treat psychiatric disorders
- very lipophilic because they can cross blood brain barrier and work in the CNS
- they cannot cure the disorder but provide relief
- usually life long treatment, but some anxiety pills are 6-12 months
- slow onset
- generally have many side effects
- usually have a general overlap
What are the pharmacokinetics of psychiatric drugs?
- often administered orally
- very lipid soluble
- metabolized through liver
- excreted through urine
What are the drug classes for depression?
Antidepressants –> MAOIS, TCAIS, SSRIS, and SNRIS
What are the drug classes for mood disorders like bipolar disorder?
Mood stabilizers–> lithium, and anticonvulsants
What are the drug classes for schizophrenia?
Antipsychotic –> typical and atypical
What are the drug classes for anxiety?
Anxiolytics–> BZDS, and azapirones
What is depression?
Feelings of despair and may be present and may experience multiple episodes over life time.
affects ~8% of population, and 70% prevalent in women
What are the symptoms?
apathy (withdrawal from social life), loss of interest (depressed mood) - one required
weight/appetite changes, sleep disturbances, fatigue, guilt, inability to make decisions or remember things, and suicidal thoughts - 4 required
How long do the depressive symptoms need to persist for?
2 weeks minimum.
What are the MAOIS? (monoamine attached to aromatic ring)
Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors are drugs that inhibit the Monoamine enzyme from breaking down monoamines such as serotonin, and norepinephrine. The MOA hypothesis states that depression is associated with low levels of S and NE. This leads to increase amount of NE and S available for neurotransmission in synapse for a longer time.
