STAHLS ESSENTIAL
PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY
NEUROSCIENTIFIC BASIS PRACTICAL
APPLICATIONS FIFTH EDITION PRACTICE
TEST 2026 COMPREHENSIVE QUESTIONS
AND SOLUTIONS GRADED A+
⩥ Synapses
-Neurotransmitters are stored in vesicles prior to being released
-When pre-synaptic neuron is activated it releases neurotransmitters
which diffuse across the synapse to activate receptors.
-This depolarizes the post-synaptic neuron and causes it to "fire".
-The post-synaptic neuron then propagates a wave of depolarization,
known as an action potential, down to the next neuron and the process
repeats.
- The Neurotransmitters in the synapse cannot simply remain there. They
will
-diffuse away
- Get broken down by an enzyme
- Pumped back into pre-synaptic neuron for storage or use(known as
reuptake).
,Answer:
⩥ Upregulation/Downregulation of post-synaptic neurons
The brain strives for homeostasis and will act to counterbalance any
perceived excess..
Answer: Post-synaptic neuron can make itself more sensitive to
stimulation by increasing the number of receptors available on their
membranes
Or decrease sensitivity by decreasing the number of receptors on the
membrane of the post-synaptic neuron.
⩥ 2 Rules of Neurotransmission
- What goes up must come down/ What goes down must come back up.
- With great power comes great responsibility..
Answer: - Someone on excitatory drugs will often experience a low
energy "crash" during withdrawal.
- Refers to the phenomenon where both efficacy and the adverse effects
of any particular drug are intrinsically linked. If a drug is powerful it is
,more likely to have severe side effects. More power more potential for
harm.
-It's always best to attempt treatment with the least powerful option that
will still produce good results.
⩥ Drug Effects
Full agonist:
Partial agonist:
Antagonist:
Inverse Agonist:.
Answer: -Mimics the effect of a neurotransmitter
-Mimics it but only to a certain lower point
-Blocks the effect of a neurotransmitter
- Produces the opposite effect
, ⩥ CYP450 enzymes
Group of most important ones.
Answer: -Enzyme family most important in metabolizing drugs. Most
psychotropic drugs target CYP450 enzymesreside in the liver and gut.
1A2, 2B6, 2D6, 2C9, 2C19, 3A4.
⩥ Serotonin (5-HT 1-7) 5-hydroxytryptamine
Has so many roles in the body because 5-HT receptors are found all
over.
You can remember that serotonin effects many __________________.
(Mnemonic)
Comes from the Raphe Nuclei. Think SIRotonin RAPHE nuclei.
Answer: DOMAINS
D epression: involved in regulation of mood
O bsession: When someone washes hands brian would use serotonin to
help you feel satisfied that your hands are washed. In OCD pt's the
satisfaction process has broken down and they return to re-wash their
hands.
PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY
NEUROSCIENTIFIC BASIS PRACTICAL
APPLICATIONS FIFTH EDITION PRACTICE
TEST 2026 COMPREHENSIVE QUESTIONS
AND SOLUTIONS GRADED A+
⩥ Synapses
-Neurotransmitters are stored in vesicles prior to being released
-When pre-synaptic neuron is activated it releases neurotransmitters
which diffuse across the synapse to activate receptors.
-This depolarizes the post-synaptic neuron and causes it to "fire".
-The post-synaptic neuron then propagates a wave of depolarization,
known as an action potential, down to the next neuron and the process
repeats.
- The Neurotransmitters in the synapse cannot simply remain there. They
will
-diffuse away
- Get broken down by an enzyme
- Pumped back into pre-synaptic neuron for storage or use(known as
reuptake).
,Answer:
⩥ Upregulation/Downregulation of post-synaptic neurons
The brain strives for homeostasis and will act to counterbalance any
perceived excess..
Answer: Post-synaptic neuron can make itself more sensitive to
stimulation by increasing the number of receptors available on their
membranes
Or decrease sensitivity by decreasing the number of receptors on the
membrane of the post-synaptic neuron.
⩥ 2 Rules of Neurotransmission
- What goes up must come down/ What goes down must come back up.
- With great power comes great responsibility..
Answer: - Someone on excitatory drugs will often experience a low
energy "crash" during withdrawal.
- Refers to the phenomenon where both efficacy and the adverse effects
of any particular drug are intrinsically linked. If a drug is powerful it is
,more likely to have severe side effects. More power more potential for
harm.
-It's always best to attempt treatment with the least powerful option that
will still produce good results.
⩥ Drug Effects
Full agonist:
Partial agonist:
Antagonist:
Inverse Agonist:.
Answer: -Mimics the effect of a neurotransmitter
-Mimics it but only to a certain lower point
-Blocks the effect of a neurotransmitter
- Produces the opposite effect
, ⩥ CYP450 enzymes
Group of most important ones.
Answer: -Enzyme family most important in metabolizing drugs. Most
psychotropic drugs target CYP450 enzymesreside in the liver and gut.
1A2, 2B6, 2D6, 2C9, 2C19, 3A4.
⩥ Serotonin (5-HT 1-7) 5-hydroxytryptamine
Has so many roles in the body because 5-HT receptors are found all
over.
You can remember that serotonin effects many __________________.
(Mnemonic)
Comes from the Raphe Nuclei. Think SIRotonin RAPHE nuclei.
Answer: DOMAINS
D epression: involved in regulation of mood
O bsession: When someone washes hands brian would use serotonin to
help you feel satisfied that your hands are washed. In OCD pt's the
satisfaction process has broken down and they return to re-wash their
hands.
