Behavioral Neuroscience: Psychopharmacology questions with correct answers

How do drugs get into the body. - Answer ADME: absorption distribution metabolism excretion drugs - Answer Chemical compounds administered to bring about some desired change in the body. psychoactive drugs - Answer Substances that act to alter mood, thought, or behavior and are used to manage neuropsychological illness Why is it getting drugs into the brain difficult? - Answer The brain has the blood-brain barrier, which restricts the passage of molecules in and out of the organ. A drug can reach the brain only if its molecules are small and not ionized (enabling them to pass through the endothelial cell membranes), or if the drug has a chemical structure that allows it to be carried across the brain by an active-transport system. What is the site of action for most drugs? - Answer Most drugs work at the synapse to modulate neurotransmission in some way. Barrier-Free Brain sites - Answer Pineal gland: entry of chemicals that affect day and night cycles. Pituitary gland: entry of chemicals that influence pituitary hormones.