Author Question: Psychoactive medications (drugs that impact our thoughts, emotions, and behavior) usually work as ... (Read 59 times)

Lobcity · **on:** Jun 22, 2018

Psychoactive medications (drugs that impact our thoughts, emotions, and behavior) usually work as either agonists or antagonists for various neurotransmitters. Explain both how an agonist and an antagonist operate on neurotransmitters. Explain, also, the process of reuptake inhibition and the effect it has on a neurotransmitter.

What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

Describe the diathesis-stress model, and use it to explain how one identical twin might suffer from clinical depression while the other does not.

What will be an ideal response?

tkempin · **Reply #1 on:** Jun 22, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Agonists increase the effects of a transmitter, while antagontists decrease their effects. Reuptake involves the process of neurons reabsorbing their own transmitters from the synapse. When reuptake is inhibited, the neurotransmitter stays in the synapse longer, which tends to prolong its effects in an agonistic way.

Answer to Question 2

This model argues that a diathesis is a vulnerability and that a stress is an unpleasant experience, which together can cause behavioral and emotional disorders. Identical twins typically share the same genetic vulnerability but may not have the same life experiences.