Mental Health Nursing

Drugs that block or depress the normal response of a specific receptor by only partly fitting the receptor site

Drugs prescribed, usually on a short term basis, to reduce anxiety. May be referred to as anxiolytics

Drugs that prevent the destruction of acetylcholine within the parasympathetic nervous system

A classification of antipsychotic medications, also known as second-generation antipsychotics, which commonly interact with serotonin as well as dopamine receptors.

A 24-hour biological rhythm that influences specific regulatory functions such as the sleep/wake cycle, body temperature, and hormonal and neurotransmitter secretions.

Typical antipsychotics and first generation antipsychotics, which work by D2 receptor antagonism.

A classification of drugs used to promote sleep

The part of the brain that is related to emotions and is referred to by some as the “emotional brain”. It is involved in the mediation of fear and anxiety; anger and aggression; love joy and hope; and sexuality and social behavior

An antimanic drug that stabilizes the manic phase of a bipolar disorder. When effective it can modify future manic episodes and protect against future depressive episodes

A classification of antidepressants that inhibit monoamine oxidase, an enzyme that breaks down amines such as serotonin and norepinephrine.

Classes of drugs used to treat mood disorders; include lithium and anticonvulsants

Specialized cells in the central nervous system.

A chemical substance that functions as a neural messenger. Released from the axon terminal of the presynaptic neuron when stimulated by an electrical impulse

The physiological actions, effects, and responses of the body to drugs; this includes absorption, distribution, excretion, onset of action, duration of effect, and the influence of substances such as enzymes.

Protein molecules located within or on the outer membrane of cells of various tissues, such as neurons, muscle, and blood vessels.

The part if the brain stem that mediates alertness, arousal, and motivation; serves to filter out repetitive stimuli to prevent overload

The return of neurotransmitters to the presynaptic cell after communication with receptors on the postsynaptic cell

First line antidepressants that block the reuptake of serotonin, permitting serotonin to act for an extended period at the synaptic binding sites in the brain

The gap between the membrane of one neuron and the membrane of another neuron.

The ratio of the therapeutic dose of a drug and the toxic dose of a drug

Drugs that inhibit the reuptake of norepinephrine and serotonin by the presynaptic neurons in the CNS, increasing the amount of time norepinephrine and serotonin are available to the postsynaptic receptors.