Psychopharmacology
Final Exam Questions
and Answers Updated
2026
nonessential physiological processes shut down (i.e. digestion & reproduction), energy is
channeled into a host of functions preparing for rapid action. - Answer When a person or
animal confronts actual (or perceived) danger situations, what neurochemical and hormonal
reactions start to occur?
cortex, amygdala - Answer Stressful events are perceived at the __________, processed at
the _______, which then activates lower brain areas & puts the limbic system on alert
norepinephrine - Answer when there is imminent danger, a burst of excitation originates
from the locus coeruleus which releases _____________, which results in instantaneous
hypervigilance.
limbic system and hypothalamus by activating the SNS, HTA, or HPA - Answer what is
responsible for the release of stress hormones?
chloride - Answer _________ ions act as a brake and dampen the limbic alert
benzodiazepines - Answer ________ enhance the flow of negative (chloride) ions which
results in widespread calming in may areas of the brain
serotonin - Answer excitability in the locus coerulues is also mediated by _______
inhibitory - Answer in the Locus Coeruleus, serotonin is ____________.
, activation - Answer A decrease in serotonin may impact the locus coeruleus by making it
more disinhibited and more sensitive to ___________.
amygdala - Answer Acquired fears appear to be mediated primarily by the ___________.
encodes - Answer After very frightening events, the amygdala ________ certain stimulus
events of the experience. These memories are highly resistant to extinction.
serotonin - Answer There is speculation that _______ many play a role in inhibiting cellular
reactivity in the amygdala
benzodiazepines, atypical antianxiety (buspirone), SNRIs and SSRIs, andn gabapentin -
Answer What are four medication options for treating GAD?
dependence/substance abuse - Answer Benzodiazepines can be used to treat severe cases
of GAD, but should not be used if the patient is at risk for ___________
Buspirone - Answer _______ reduces worry and rumination seen in GAD, but it is not
addictive
gabapentin - Answer This antiseizure medication is primarily used to treat anxiety in bipolar
disorder
psychotropic medications - Answer Specific phobias are generally not treated with
__________________.
beta-blockers - Answer what is effective at reducing anxiety surrounding public speaking?
SSRIs, SNRIs, or MAOIs - Answer Pervasive forms social anxiety (and avoidant personality
disorder) may be treated with what three medications?
Final Exam Questions
and Answers Updated
2026
nonessential physiological processes shut down (i.e. digestion & reproduction), energy is
channeled into a host of functions preparing for rapid action. - Answer When a person or
animal confronts actual (or perceived) danger situations, what neurochemical and hormonal
reactions start to occur?
cortex, amygdala - Answer Stressful events are perceived at the __________, processed at
the _______, which then activates lower brain areas & puts the limbic system on alert
norepinephrine - Answer when there is imminent danger, a burst of excitation originates
from the locus coeruleus which releases _____________, which results in instantaneous
hypervigilance.
limbic system and hypothalamus by activating the SNS, HTA, or HPA - Answer what is
responsible for the release of stress hormones?
chloride - Answer _________ ions act as a brake and dampen the limbic alert
benzodiazepines - Answer ________ enhance the flow of negative (chloride) ions which
results in widespread calming in may areas of the brain
serotonin - Answer excitability in the locus coerulues is also mediated by _______
inhibitory - Answer in the Locus Coeruleus, serotonin is ____________.
, activation - Answer A decrease in serotonin may impact the locus coeruleus by making it
more disinhibited and more sensitive to ___________.
amygdala - Answer Acquired fears appear to be mediated primarily by the ___________.
encodes - Answer After very frightening events, the amygdala ________ certain stimulus
events of the experience. These memories are highly resistant to extinction.
serotonin - Answer There is speculation that _______ many play a role in inhibiting cellular
reactivity in the amygdala
benzodiazepines, atypical antianxiety (buspirone), SNRIs and SSRIs, andn gabapentin -
Answer What are four medication options for treating GAD?
dependence/substance abuse - Answer Benzodiazepines can be used to treat severe cases
of GAD, but should not be used if the patient is at risk for ___________
Buspirone - Answer _______ reduces worry and rumination seen in GAD, but it is not
addictive
gabapentin - Answer This antiseizure medication is primarily used to treat anxiety in bipolar
disorder
psychotropic medications - Answer Specific phobias are generally not treated with
__________________.
beta-blockers - Answer what is effective at reducing anxiety surrounding public speaking?
SSRIs, SNRIs, or MAOIs - Answer Pervasive forms social anxiety (and avoidant personality
disorder) may be treated with what three medications?
