PY 105 Chapter Notes - Chapter 3: Nucleus Accumbens, Sympathetic Nervous System, Barbiturate
Consciousness Altering Drugs
1. Depressants
a. Alcohol, barbiturates and opiates
b. Depressing neural activity
c. Alcohol leads to deterioration in skilled motor performance, decreased reaction time,
slurring of speech (Broca's area)
i. Suppresses REM sleep
ii. Stimulates GABA and dopamine systems
1. GABA - reduced anxiety
2. Dopamine - euphoria
2. Barbiturates
a. Depress sympathetic nervous system
b. Perscribed as sleep aids
c. Dangerous with alcohol
3. Opiates (morphine and heroin)
a. Depress neuron functioning
b. Reduce pain by mimicking brains own pain relievers
4. Stimulants
a. Caffeine, nicotine, cocaine, amphetamines
b. Increase release of neurotransmitters, reduced reuptake of neurotransmitter or both
c. Speed up body functions
5. Hallucinogens
a. Psychedelics
b. Distort perceptions in the absence of any sensory input, creating hallucinations
c. LSD and marijuana
Drug Addiction and Reward Pathway
• Compulsion to use a drug repeatedly
• Psychological dependence - use of a drug in response to painful emotions related to depression,
anxiety or trauma
• Physical dependence - have withdrawal
o Uncomfortable and painful experience without use of drug
• Addiction is biologically based
o Enjoyable behaviors produce activity in dopamine circuits (nucleus accumbens)
Emotion
• Three components
o Physiological (body) component
• Physiological arousal: excitation of the body's internal state
• Example: heart pounding, rapid breathing, sweaty palms
o Behavioral (action) component
• Expressive behavior
• Example: screaming and putting hands over your mouth
o Cognitive (mind) component
• Appraisal or interpretation
• Universal six emotions
o Happiness
o Sadness
o Surprise
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