Neuropsypharmacology

                          Bipolar disorder - An Introduction  Defination: A disorder associated with episodes of mood swings ranging from depressive lows to manic highs. Etiology:1. due to decreased sensitivity of alpha adrenoceptors causes increased noradrenergic activity in manic people. 2. Genetic: polymorphisms in TPH2 were identified as being associated with bipolar disorder.Hetrogencity is main cause. 3. Environmental : HARSH\ harassing tratment to child or due to post taumatic surgery. 4.neurological: Temporal lobe epilepsy, trauma, hiv infection etc. Symptoms: Abnormally upbeat, jumpy or wired Increased activity, energy or agitation Exaggerated sense of well-being and self-confidence (euphoria) Decreased need for sleep Unusual talkativeness Racing thoughts Distractibility Poor decision-making — for example, going on buyi...

ADHD: Neuropharmacology study   1. Molecular pharmacology: Stimulants (methylphenidate and amphetamines) increase levels of norepinephrine and dopamine by facilitating their release in the prefrontal cortex. Methylphenidate binds to the dopamine transporter and blocks the reuptake of dopamine from the synaptic cleft, whereas amphetamines increase the availability of norepinephrine and dopamine at the synaptic cleft by displacing them from the pre-synaptic terminal storage sites and by blocking the action of a degradative enzyme, catechol- o -methyltransferase.  REF 4. Pliszka S. Issues AWGoQ. Practice parameter for the assessment and treatment of children and adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 2007; 46 (7):894–921. [ PubMed ] [ Google Scholar ] 2 Behavioral pharmacology :After the medication wears off, their child becomes very irritable and aggressive.  The nonstimulants lack a mechanism of ac...

Attention deficit hyperactivity Defination: A person with ADHD has differences in brain development and brain activity that affect attention, the ability to sit still, and self-control. Etiology: 1.Genetics -If a parent has ADHD, a child has more than a 50% chance of having it. If an older sibling has it, a child has more than a 30% chance.  2. Children who were born prematurely (before the 37th week of pregnancy) or with a low birthweight.   3.Dysfunction in the fronto-subcortical pathways and imbalances in the dopaminergic and noradrenergic systems have been implicated in ADHD  Symptoms:   1. inattention 2 lack of focus 3.poor time management 4.weak impulse control 5.exaggerated emotions 6.hyperfocus 7.hyperactivityand executive dysfunction Drugs used: Adderall (amphetamine) Ritalin (methylphenidate) Metadate or Methylin (methylphenidate) Dexedrine or Dextrostat (dextroamphetamine)