Treatment Approaches
Expert-defined terms from the Professional Certificate in Psychopharmacology and Genetics course at London School of Planning and Management. Free to read, free to share, paired with a globally recognised certification pathway.
Ablation #
A medical procedure in which a specific part of the brain is destroyed or removed to alleviate severe and chronic symptoms of certain mental disorders. In psychopharmacology, ablation is used as a last resort when other treatments have failed.
Agonist #
A chemical substance that binds to a receptor and activates it, producing a physiological response. In psychopharmacology, agonists are used to mimic or enhance the effects of natural neurotransmitters in the brain.
Antagonist #
A chemical substance that binds to a receptor and blocks its activity, preventing the action of natural neurotransmitters or other agonists. In psychopharmacology, antagonists are used to block or reduce the effects of certain neurotransmitters, such as dopamine or serotonin.
Autoreceptor #
A type of receptor that is located on the presynaptic neuron and regulates the release of neurotransmitters. Autoreceptors play a crucial role in the feedback mechanism that maintains the balance of neurotransmitters in the synaptic cleft.
Bipolar Disorder #
A mental disorder characterized by extreme mood swings, from mania to depression, and often accompanied by psychotic symptoms. Bipolar disorder is treated with a combination of psychotherapy and medication, such as mood stabilizers, antipsychotics, and antidepressants.
Clozapine #
An atypical antipsychotic medication used to treat schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders. Clozapine is effective in reducing positive symptoms of schizophrenia, such as hallucinations and delusions, and has a lower risk of extrapyramidal side effects than typical antipsychotics.
Comorbidity #
The co-occurrence of two or more mental or physical disorders in the same individual. Comorbidity is common in psychiatric disorders, such as depression and anxiety, and can complicate diagnosis and treatment.
Depression #
A mood disorder characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest in activities. Depression is treated with a combination of psychotherapy and medication, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), and tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs).
Dopamine #
A neurotransmitter that plays a crucial role in the reward and pleasure centers of the brain. Dopamine is involved in the pathophysiology of several mental disorders, such as schizophrenia, Parkinson's disease, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Drug #
Drug Interaction: An interaction between two or more medications that can alter their pharmacokinetics or pharmacodynamics, leading to adverse effects or reduced efficacy. Drug-drug interactions are common in psychopharmacology and require careful monitoring and management.
Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) #
A medical procedure in which electric currents are passed through the brain to induce a seizure. ECT is used to treat severe and treatment-resistant depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia.
First #
Pass Metabolism: The metabolism of drugs by the liver before they reach the systemic circulation. First-pass metabolism can reduce the bioavailability of drugs and may require dosage adjustments.
Genetic Polymorphism #
A variation in the genetic makeup of individuals that can affect their response to medications. Genetic polymorphism is relevant in psychopharmacology, as it can influence the metabolism, efficacy, and side effects of psychotropic drugs.
Half #
Life: The time it takes for the concentration of a drug in the body to decrease by half. Half-life is an important pharmacokinetic parameter that determines the dosing frequency and duration of action of drugs.
Major Depressive Disorder #
A severe and debilitating form of depression that can affect all aspects of a person's life. Major