LSP Psychopharmacology & Medication Management 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which class of antidepressants works primarily by inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin into presynaptic neurons?
- Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs)
- Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) (Correct answer)
- Norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitors (NDRIs)
Correct answer: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
SSRIs selectively block the reabsorption of serotonin into presynaptic neurons, increasing serotonin availability in the synapse and producing antidepressant effects.
Question 2: Which mood stabilizer requires regular serum level monitoring due to its narrow therapeutic window?
- Valproate
- Lithium (Correct answer)
- Lamotrigine
- Carbamazepine
Correct answer: Lithium
Lithium has a narrow therapeutic window (0.6–1.2 mEq/L) and requires regular blood level monitoring to avoid toxicity while maintaining efficacy.
Question 3: A client taking an MAOI should avoid which dietary component to prevent hypertensive crisis?
- Gluten
- Tyramine (Correct answer)
- Caffeine
- Tryptophan
Correct answer: Tyramine
MAOIs inhibit the enzyme that breaks down tyramine; consuming tyramine-rich foods such as aged cheeses and cured meats can trigger a dangerous hypertensive crisis.
Question 4: What is the primary mechanism of action of benzodiazepines?
- Blocking dopamine D2 receptors
- Inhibiting reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine
- Enhancing the effect of GABA at the GABA-A receptor (Correct answer)
- Blocking histamine H1 receptors
Correct answer: Enhancing the effect of GABA at the GABA-A receptor
Benzodiazepines bind to the GABA-A receptor and potentiate the inhibitory effects of GABA, producing anxiolytic, sedative, and muscle-relaxant effects.
Question 5: Which atypical antipsychotic is associated with the highest risk of agranulocytosis and requires enrollment in a mandatory monitoring program?
- Risperidone
- Olanzapine
- Quetiapine
- Clozapine (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Clozapine
Clozapine carries a significant risk of agranulocytosis (a dangerous drop in white blood cells), requiring mandatory regular blood count monitoring through the FDA REMS program.
Question 6: Extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS) such as akathisia, dystonia, and parkinsonism are most commonly associated with which class of medications?
- SSRIs
- First-generation (typical) antipsychotics (Correct answer)
- Benzodiazepines
- Mood stabilizers
Correct answer: First-generation (typical) antipsychotics
First-generation antipsychotics block dopamine D2 receptors in the nigrostriatal pathway, causing movement-related adverse effects collectively termed extrapyramidal symptoms.
Question 7: When collaborating with prescribers regarding a client's medication management, the psychologist's primary role is to:
- Recommend specific medications and dosages
- Prescribe medications after completing a pharmacology course
- Provide behavioral observations and treatment response information (Correct answer)
- Independently monitor blood serum medication levels
Correct answer: Provide behavioral observations and treatment response information
Psychologists contribute to pharmacological treatment by providing clinical observations, behavioral data, and treatment response information to inform the prescriber's medical decisions.
LSP Psychopharmacology & Medication Management 1
Which class of antidepressants works primarily by inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin into presynaptic neurons?