Biological psychology

Q1

 

             The neuromodulator system responsible for the stress response is the amygdala.  During a life-threatening situation, the amygdala acts as a command center and communicates to the hypothalamus which then uses the autonomic nervous system to communicate to the adrenal gland (Whalen & Phelps, 2009). The adrenal gland produces a hormone known as adrenaline which circulates in the body to cause physiological changes such as abnormal heart rate, high blood pressure, and other changes. However, the same neurotransmitter creates a stress response system known as the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. The hypothalamus secretes corticotrophin-releasing hormone (CRH). The CRH communicates to the pituitary gland to secret adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) (Whalen & Phelps, 2009). The ACTH link-up with the adrenal cortex and the binding produces a vital hormone known cortisol which helps the body in stress response.

 Q2

 

Anti-depressants or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) stimulate the release of serotonin into the tiny opening known as the synaptic cleft.  The released serotonin travels from a brain cell known as neuron and passes through the synapse to other brain cells (Acosta et al. 2010).  However, some serotonin do not reach other brain cells and what happens is some serotonin is reabsorbed to continue with the role of transmitting messages to the brain cells. The anti-depressants work by blocking the reabsorption of serotonin. If the serotonin is not re-absorbed, it means that more serotonin will be available to alleviate depression (Acosta et al. 2010).  The consequences that underlie the therapeutic effects of these drugs are synaptic effects.  First, the drugs act as blockade of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine.  Second, the anti-depressants drug acts as blocked of certain receptors such as dopamine D2, and 5-HT2A receptors (Acosta et al. 2010). The interaction of the drugs with certain transmitters and receptors causes adverse effects.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

References

Whalen, P. J., & Phelps, E. A. (2009). The human amygdala. New York: Guilford Press.

 

Acosta, W. R., & Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. (2010). LWW's foundations in pharmacology

for pharmacy technicians. Baltimore, MD: Wolters Kluwer Health/Lippincott Williams

& Wilkins.