Mental Health and Psychology Psychopharmacology

Question 1

SSRIs work primarily by:

Accepted Answer

Inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin into presynaptic neurons

Answer

SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) block the serotonin transporter, preventing reuptake and increasing serotonin availability in the synapse.

Question 2

Which class of medication is most associated with the risk of discontinuation syndrome?

Accepted Answer

SSRIs and SNRIs

Answer

SSRIs and SNRIs can cause discontinuation syndrome — flu-like symptoms, dizziness, and 'brain zaps' — if stopped abruptly rather than tapered gradually.

Question 3

Antipsychotic medications primarily act on which receptor type?

Accepted Answer

Dopamine D2 receptors

Answer

All antipsychotics share D2 dopamine receptor antagonism as a primary mechanism, which reduces positive psychotic symptoms.

Question 4

What is 'tardive dyskinesia' as a medication side effect?

Accepted Answer

Late-onset involuntary repetitive movements, often of the face and mouth, from prolonged antipsychotic use

Answer

Tardive dyskinesia is a potentially irreversible movement disorder characterized by involuntary, repetitive movements caused by long-term dopamine antagonism.

Question 5

Which mood stabilizer requires regular blood level monitoring and has a narrow therapeutic index?

Accepted Answer

Lithium

Answer

Lithium has a narrow therapeutic window (0.6–1.2 mEq/L therapeutic; toxicity begins at 1.5 mEq/L), requiring regular blood level monitoring to ensure safety.

Mental Health and Psychology Practice Test

Mental Health and Psychology Practice Test

Mental Health and Psychology Psychopharmacology