PSYC62H3 Lecture Notes - Lecture 6: Monoamine Oxidase, Methcathinone, Stimulant
Document Summary
Stimulant drugs have effects on other systems, but monoamine mostly underlying motivational and emotional responses: profound effects on cognition, mental function and emotion. Can be taken orally, snorted, injected and smoked. Effects vary depending on mode of administration. Rapid absorption = greater intense peak liability than a mode of slower absorption into circulation. Cocaine metabolized quickly and effects deteriorate within minutes of administration. Mid brain dopamine system is critical for expression of psychostimulant motoric effects. Convenient behavioural measure for neural adaptations that occur in dopamine system as a consequence of repeated exposure to these drugs. Effects of at lower doses may not persist in higher doses. Inverted u at higher doses: stereotypic effects that counter motor effects at lower doses. Wanting of more drug may reflect desire to overcome negative affect (anxiety and depression) Desire to achieve intense euphoria as well: short term withdrawal negative reinforcement and positive reinforcement are in play.
