Stage 1 Psychology Neuropsychology L Notes
Topic One: Effects of Drugs on Neurotransmitters
Name of the Drug:
Ecstasy (3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine or MDMA)
Effect on the nervous System, mental processes, and behaviour:
Nervous system
- Can heighten and distort sense, typically sight and sound
- Accelerated heart rate and breathing
- Sweating + dehydration
- Nausea
- Pupils become dilated
- Sleep complications
Mental Processes
- Increase in serotonin
- Prolonged and regular usage by individuals with mood or psychiatric disorders are at greater risk of harm
- Anxiousness
Behaviour
- Users will feel a burst of energy
- Out of character behaviour such as aggression and paranoia
- Irritability
Drug Category:
Ecstasy acts as a stimulant and hallucinogen drug (causes hallucinations)
Neurotransmitter Affected:
MDMA acts as a serotonin agonist
Effects on Thoughts and Feelings
- Excess energy and confidence
- Happier feelings
- Affectionate feelings
Social Consequences:
- When coming down from a ‘high’, users may experience depression, struggle concentrating, sleep problems
and fatigue
- Long term: Can create an inclination to use other drugs, addiction, reliance, detrimental to social skills and
relationships with others.
Topic One: Effects of Drugs on Neurotransmitters
Name of the Drug:
Ecstasy (3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine or MDMA)
Effect on the nervous System, mental processes, and behaviour:
Nervous system
- Can heighten and distort sense, typically sight and sound
- Accelerated heart rate and breathing
- Sweating + dehydration
- Nausea
- Pupils become dilated
- Sleep complications
Mental Processes
- Increase in serotonin
- Prolonged and regular usage by individuals with mood or psychiatric disorders are at greater risk of harm
- Anxiousness
Behaviour
- Users will feel a burst of energy
- Out of character behaviour such as aggression and paranoia
- Irritability
Drug Category:
Ecstasy acts as a stimulant and hallucinogen drug (causes hallucinations)
Neurotransmitter Affected:
MDMA acts as a serotonin agonist
Effects on Thoughts and Feelings
- Excess energy and confidence
- Happier feelings
- Affectionate feelings
Social Consequences:
- When coming down from a ‘high’, users may experience depression, struggle concentrating, sleep problems
and fatigue
- Long term: Can create an inclination to use other drugs, addiction, reliance, detrimental to social skills and
relationships with others.
