Question:Effects of Psychotropic Drugs
Stress can exert powerful effects on brain functions. By influencing production of chemicals in the brain, drugs, too, may result in physiological outcomes.
Drugs that increase the level of serotonin in the brain, for example, may lead to sleepiness or lethargy. Many legal drugs, such as caffeine and nicotine, can have dramatic effects on brain functioning and behavior as well.
For this Application Assignment, analyze biological and behavioral effects of psychotropic medication.
To prepare for this Assignment:
- Visit the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration website, https://store.samhsa.gov/facet/Substances. Select a drug from the list provided at this site. (Remember that nicotine and caffeine are also drugs that affect the brain.)
The Assignment (2-3 pages)
In a 250-350 word, address the following components as you analyze the biological and behavioral effects of psychotropic medication:
- The classification of the drug (e.g., stimulant, depressant, hallucinogen, narcotic, etc.)
- The biological effects typically produced by the drug, including the action(s) of the drug on the central nervous system. In addition, be sure to discuss the impact on a specific neurotransmitter. Include long-term effects on the body.
- The behavioral effects typically produced by the drug