Psychoactive drugs target specific receptors in the nervous system and cause widespread changes in psychological function. The interaction between psychoactive drugs and target receptors is known as drug action. The resulting change in psychological or physiological function is known as the drug effect (Adler, Reingold, Morrill, & Wilen, 2006). Psychopharmacology includes extensive research in a wide variety of drug classes, including stimulants and antidepressants. Neurotransmitters provide a medium through which neurons communicate. The effects of these drugs vary from: [1] acting as a precursor for a neurotransmitter; [2] limitation of neurotransmitter synthesis; [3] in addition to postsynaptic receptors among others (Adler et al., 2006).
Psychoactive drugs also use hormones to affect communication between cells. Hormones are known to travel considerable distances before reaching their target body cells. Therefore, the endocrine system is another target of psychoactive drugs. Psychoactive drugs can: [1] alter the secretion of many hormones; [2] modify behavioral responses to drugs. Certain hormones in the body are known to have psychoactive effects in themselves (Adler et al., 2006)
Psychopharmacological substances
Opiates have been identified as one of the psychopharmacological agents. Opiates form a class of narcotic analgesics. They are primarily used to help patients overcome pain without causing unconsciousness. However, they do not lead to relaxation and sleep. It has also been reported that an overdose of this drug can lead to death. This drug's ability to reduce pain depends on a complex set of nerve pathways at various points along the spinal cord. Opiate medications reduce pain transmission to the brain (Bouffard, Hechtman, Minde, & Laboni-Kassab, 2003).
Another type of psychopharmacological substances are hypnotics. Hypnotics are mainly used to treat sleep disorders. Studies show that hypnotics are highly preferred over other sedatives because they are less addictive. The third type of psychopharmacological substances are hallucinogens. Hallucinogens lead to feelings of synesthesia, where the user imagines things that are not there.
Antidepressants reduce the symptoms of mood swings. Common types of antidepressants are monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), tricyclic antidepressants, and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). One of the most important factors to consider when choosing an antidepressant is side effects. Antipsychotics are divided into first generation and second generation. Antidepressants are known to affect the movement of the user (Adler et al., 2006).
As far as stimulants go, cocaine is one of the most well-known stimulants. Cocaine is known to cause increased alertness, increased self-confidence, reduced fatigue, and a general sense of well-being. There are also several side effects that are associated with the abuse of cocaine. Cocaine abuse has been found to lead to anxiety, general insomnia, irritability, psychotic symptomatology (Banaschewski et al., 2003). Another common type of stimulant is known as amphetamines. Numerous forms of this stimulant are used to manage symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder [ADHD] (Banaschewski et al., 2003).
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a disorder that commonly affects children and can persist into adulthood for some. Children with ADHD have difficulty paying attention. They are unable to follow simple instructions and duties quickly bore or destroy them. They also didn't seem to relax and act immediately. They rarely stop to think before they act. This could be argued to be common behavior in all children; however, it is prominent in children suffering from ADHD. Studies show that children with ADHD perform poorly in school (Handen, Taylor, & Tumuluru, 2011).
However, it is important to remember that ADHD does not only affect children, but also adults. Its symptoms in adults include, but are not limited to, problems with time management, poor organizational skills, and employment problems (Asherson, Chen, Craddock, & Taylor, 2007).
The exact cause of ADHD has not been identified, although research is being done on the human brain to determine the cause. Some of the factors that are associated with this disease include:
This means that children have a high probability of inheriting ADHD from their parents;
[2] chemical imbalances in brain chemicals, with researchers suggesting that imbalances in brain chemicals, particularly those responsible for the transmission of nerve impulses, may be a contributing factor in the development of ADHD symptoms; and
[3] Another contributing factor may be changes in brain regions, particularly those that control attention (Bouffard et al., 2003).
Psychopharmacological treatment of ADHD
Psychopharmacological treatment is essential in the treatment of ADHD. Stimulation therapy has been proven effective and safe for many years. One of the first stimulants used to treat ADHD is amphetamine. Recent studies suggest that the validity of the diagnosis of ADHD is now recognized despite the fact that its prevalence and rates of persistent symptoms, as well as the identification of symptoms in adults, remain controversial (Asherson et al., 2007).
The likelihood of a decrease in symptoms and problems over time in ADHD patients was concerning. Key issues in this debate are the distinctions between syndromatic and symptomatic persistence. It is also important to consider the fact that there is a strong similarity between the symptoms of ADHD and other psychiatric disorders. The high similarity complicates the diagnosis of ADHD. Recent studies suggest that ADHD is common among prison inmates and adolescents.
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