Question 1

Antidepressant drugs have effects at the synapse within hours, but may take weeks to change behavior.

Accepted Answer

Antidepressant drugs work by altering the levels of certain neurotransmitters in the brain, which can have immediate effects at the synapse. However, changes in behavior and mood may take several weeks to become noticeable.

Question 2

Dr. Delzell tells his class that a person with schizophrenia who is having hallucinations is experiencing a negative symptom.

Accepted Answer

Hallucinations are actually a positive symptom of schizophrenia, not a negative symptom. Negative symptoms include things like social withdrawal, lack of motivation, and flat affect.

Question 3

Renay is experiencing hallucinations, convulsions, and cardiovascular problems as she is going through severe nicotine withdrawal.

Accepted Answer

Nicotine withdrawal typically includes symptoms such as irritability, craving, depression, anxiety, cognitive and attention deficits, sleep disturbances, and increased appetite, but not hallucinations, convulsions, or severe cardiovascular problems.

Question 4

It is possible for Mayola to experience a release of dopamine into her nucleus accumbens just by thinking about things that make her really happy.

Accepted Answer

It is true that the nucleus accumbens can release dopamine in response to pleasurable experiences, but research has also shown that just the anticipation or thoughts of these experiences can also trigger dopamine release in the brain.

Question 5

Medications like Antabuse combat alcohol abuse by blocking opiate receptors and thereby decrease the pleasure from alcohol.

Accepted Answer

Antabuse works by blocking an enzyme that breaks down alcohol in the body, which leads to a buildup of a toxic substance called acetaldehyde. This causes unpleasant symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and headaches, which can act as a deterrent to drinking alcohol. Antabuse does not affect opiate receptors, and it does not decrease the pleasure from alcohol.

Question 6

Most depressed people have decreased activity in the left and increased activity in the right prefrontal cortex.

Accepted Answer

This is true. Studies have shown that individuals with depression tend to have decreased activity in the left prefrontal cortex, which is associated with positive emotions and cognitive control, and increased activity in the right prefrontal cortex, which is associated with negative emotions and rumination.

Question 7

The first successful treatment for bipolar disorder, and still the most common one, is lithium salts.

Accepted Answer

Lithium salts have been the first-line medication for bipolar disorder since their discovery in the 1940s and remain the most commonly prescribed treatment for this condition.

Question 8

Autism spectrum disorder encompasses both autism and what used to be called Asperger's syndrome.

Accepted Answer

Autism spectrum disorder includes both autism and what used to be classified as Asperger's syndrome.

Question 9

Azzie has been diagnosed with SAD. Her doctor suggested that she try a treatment that involves exposure to blue light.

Accepted Answer

SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) treatment typically involves exposure to bright white light, not specifically blue light, to mimic natural sunlight and help alleviate symptoms.

Question 10

Less than 5 percent of mothers who have children with autism have antibodies that attack certain brain proteins.

Accepted Answer

The answer of  Less than 5 percent of mothers who...

Question 11

Atypical antipsychotics are effective in treating only the positive symptoms of schizophrenia.

Accepted Answer

Atypical antipsychotics are effective in treating both positive and negative symptoms of schizophrenia. In addition, some atypical antipsychotics may also improve cognitive symptoms and mood symptoms associated with schizophrenia.

Question 12

A drug that blocks the effects of a neurotransmitter is a(n) ____; a drug that mimics or increases the effects is a(n) ____.

Accepted Answer

An antagonist is a drug that blocks the effects of a neurotransmitter, while an agonist is a drug that mimics or increases the effects. Therefore, the best choice is D, which pairs these terms correctly.

Question 13

After a long period of abstinence, exposure to cues associated with the substance are very unlikely to trigger a renewed craving.

Accepted Answer

Exposure to cues associated with the substance can trigger a renewed craving even after a long period of abstinence. This phenomenon is known as cue-induced craving and is one of the challenges of addiction recovery.

Question 14

Many fad treatments for autism spectrum disorders make the parents feel good that they are trying something, but otherwise, they are a waste of time and money.

Accepted Answer

Many fad treatments for autism spectrum disorders have no scientific evidence to support their effectiveness and are simply marketed as a quick fix solution. While parents may feel good that they are taking action, these treatments often drain resources and time without providing any real benefit to the child. It is important for parents to consult with qualified healthcare professionals and evaluate treatments based on evidence-based practices.

Question 15

A drug that is able to block the effects of a neurotransmitter is called a(n) ____.

Accepted Answer

A drug that blocks the effects of a neurotransmitter is called an antagonist. Agonists activate or enhance the effects of a neurotransmitter, while depressants and stimulants affect overall brain function rather than specific neurotransmitter activity.

Question 16

Elayne has been prescribed a medication that mimics the effects of GABA. This means she is taking a GABA antagonist.

Accepted Answer

A medication that mimics the effects of GABA is a GABA agonist, not an antagonist. Therefore, Elayne is not taking a GABA antagonist.

Question 17

The ventricles are larger than normal in people with schizophrenia.

Accepted Answer

Research studies have found that the ventricles (fluid-filled spaces) in the brain are frequently enlarged in people with schizophrenia. This is thought to be due to a decrease in brain tissue volume, particularly in the frontal lobes. However, it is important to note that this finding is not specific to schizophrenia and can also occur in other psychiatric and neurological conditions.

Question 18

Which effect would be considered to be agonistic?

Accepted Answer

An agonistic effect stimulates or enhances the effects of neurotransmitters. Stimulating the release of neurotransmitters leads to an increase in their activity, which is an example of an agonistic effect.

Question 19

Professor Achidi is lecturing about drug mechanisms. She tells the class that a substance that increases the effects of a neurotransmitter is considered to be a(n) _____.

Accepted Answer

An agonist is a substance that increases the effect of a neurotransmitter. It activates the receptors of the neurotransmitter and produces a biological response similar to that of the neurotransmitter. For example, drugs like Xanax and Valium that enhance the effect of GABA, an inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain, are considered agonists.

Question 20

Which effect would be considered to be antagonistic?

Accepted Answer

Antagonistic effects work against or inhibit the effects of neurotransmitters. Blocking the synthesis of neurotransmitters would be considered an antagonistic effect. Stimulating the release, blocking the reuptake, and interfering with the breakdown of neurotransmitters would all be considered agonistic effects as they increase the activity or availability of neurotransmitters.

Quiz 14: Psychological Disorders