NURS 660 Psychopharmacology and Advanced
Mental Health — Examination 4 2026/2027 |
Maryville University School of Nursing |
Questions with Verified Answers
Cortico-striatal-thalamic loop in ADHD - ANSWERS--Impulsivity and
hyperactivity are modulated here.
-Motor activity, such as hyperactivity and psychomotor agitation or
retardation, can be modulated by CSTC loop from the prefrontal motor cortex
to the putamen (lateral striatum) to the thalamus and back to the prefrontal
motor cortex.
-Common symptoms of hyperactivity in children with ADHD include fidgeting,
leaving one's seat, running/climbing, being constantly on the go and having
trouble playing quietly.
Mesolimbic dopamine pathway in ADHD - ANSWERS--Too little of norepi or
dopamine-have issues with being distracted, organized, forgetful, or
fatigued. (norepi and dopamine are the two key neurotransmitters in ADHD)
Pathophysiology of ADHD - ANSWERS-Inefficient tuning of prefrontal cortex
by dysregulation of dopamine and norepinephrine.
Symptoms: inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.
Atomexetine (Strattera) - ANSWERS--ADHD Non-Stimulant
-Inhibits NET in the prefrontal cortex increases both DA and NE. As only a few
NET exist in the nucleus accumbens, atomoxetine does not induce an
increase in DA and NE in the nucleus accumbens, the reward center of the
brain, thus atomoxetine does not have abuse potential.
-Requires build-up over time, not short acting, no concern for abuse/misuse.
, -Can't be taken with Paxil or Wellbutrin
-Adverse effects: priapism, liver injury
Methlyphenidate - ANSWERS-Ritalin, Concerta, ADHD stimulant.
-Methylphenidate binds to the dopamine transporter and to the
norepinephrine transporter, in both cases acting as an allosteric modulator.
Stops the action of the transporters, preventing reuptake and thus allowing
dopamine and norepinephrine to accumulate in the synapse.
Amphetamine - ANSWERS-Adderall, ADHD
-Competitively inhibits dopamine transporter and VMAT transporter.
-Blocks the transporter for dopamine and norepinephrine.
-Increases dopamine at synaptic cleft.
-High risk for abuse
Guanfacine - ANSWERS-Intuniv, nonstimulant for ADHD.
Selective agonist for alpha 2A.
Better tolerated than clonidine.
Clonidine - ANSWERS-Alpha 2 agonist ADHD.
Less selective than guanfacine, binds to alpha 2A, 2B, & 2C.
Can reduce signs of autonomic hyperactivity during withdrawal.
Lisdexamfetamine - ANSWERS-Vyvanse ADHD
Stimulant
Longer-acting, less risk for abuse
Pro-drug
Can't be snorted
Mental Health — Examination 4 2026/2027 |
Maryville University School of Nursing |
Questions with Verified Answers
Cortico-striatal-thalamic loop in ADHD - ANSWERS--Impulsivity and
hyperactivity are modulated here.
-Motor activity, such as hyperactivity and psychomotor agitation or
retardation, can be modulated by CSTC loop from the prefrontal motor cortex
to the putamen (lateral striatum) to the thalamus and back to the prefrontal
motor cortex.
-Common symptoms of hyperactivity in children with ADHD include fidgeting,
leaving one's seat, running/climbing, being constantly on the go and having
trouble playing quietly.
Mesolimbic dopamine pathway in ADHD - ANSWERS--Too little of norepi or
dopamine-have issues with being distracted, organized, forgetful, or
fatigued. (norepi and dopamine are the two key neurotransmitters in ADHD)
Pathophysiology of ADHD - ANSWERS-Inefficient tuning of prefrontal cortex
by dysregulation of dopamine and norepinephrine.
Symptoms: inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.
Atomexetine (Strattera) - ANSWERS--ADHD Non-Stimulant
-Inhibits NET in the prefrontal cortex increases both DA and NE. As only a few
NET exist in the nucleus accumbens, atomoxetine does not induce an
increase in DA and NE in the nucleus accumbens, the reward center of the
brain, thus atomoxetine does not have abuse potential.
-Requires build-up over time, not short acting, no concern for abuse/misuse.
, -Can't be taken with Paxil or Wellbutrin
-Adverse effects: priapism, liver injury
Methlyphenidate - ANSWERS-Ritalin, Concerta, ADHD stimulant.
-Methylphenidate binds to the dopamine transporter and to the
norepinephrine transporter, in both cases acting as an allosteric modulator.
Stops the action of the transporters, preventing reuptake and thus allowing
dopamine and norepinephrine to accumulate in the synapse.
Amphetamine - ANSWERS-Adderall, ADHD
-Competitively inhibits dopamine transporter and VMAT transporter.
-Blocks the transporter for dopamine and norepinephrine.
-Increases dopamine at synaptic cleft.
-High risk for abuse
Guanfacine - ANSWERS-Intuniv, nonstimulant for ADHD.
Selective agonist for alpha 2A.
Better tolerated than clonidine.
Clonidine - ANSWERS-Alpha 2 agonist ADHD.
Less selective than guanfacine, binds to alpha 2A, 2B, & 2C.
Can reduce signs of autonomic hyperactivity during withdrawal.
Lisdexamfetamine - ANSWERS-Vyvanse ADHD
Stimulant
Longer-acting, less risk for abuse
Pro-drug
Can't be snorted
