A college student is brought to the campus health center by their roommate. The roommate reports that the student has been complaining of a constantly racing heart and nausea for the past few days. The student also seems unusually agitated and has expressed intense, unfounded fears that their professors are plotting to fail them. Based on this specific combination of physical and psychological symptoms, which category of psychoactive substance is most likely responsible? Explain your reasoning by linking the reported symptoms to the known effects of that substance category.

Symptom Analysis in Substance Use

The use of stimulants can lead to significant adverse consequences, particularly with repeated use. Physical symptoms may include nausea, elevated blood pressure, and an increased heart rate. Psychologically, users may experience anxiety, paranoia, and hallucinations.

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Stimulants are drugs that send more messages throughout the body. You feel more awake, energetic, and alert. Simulants are also a type of psychotropic medication that can be prescribed for ADHD. Common brand names are Adderall and Ritalin. They work by improving the individual's ability to focus on tasks and maintain attention. Some of the side effects include lack of appetite, sleeping probelms, stomachache, and headache.

Stimulants

Spielman, R. M., Jenkins, W. J., & Lovett, M. D. (2020, April 22). Psychology (2nd ed.). OpenStax. https://openstax.org/books/psychology-2e/pages/1-introduction

OpenStax Psychology (2nd ed.) Textbook

* Cocaine
* Amphetamines (including methamphetamine)
* Cathinones (i.e., bath salts)
* MDMA (ecstasy)
* Nicotine
* Caffeine

Examples of Stimulants

* Increased heart rate
* Blood pressure
* Body temperature

Stimulants Effects on the Body

* Dopamine Reuptake Inhibition
* Increased Release of Neurotransmitters
* Serotonin Reuptake Inhibition

Stimulants Mechanisms of Action

Which of these drugs do people consume to feel alert?

Adverse Effects of Stimulant Use

Repeated use of stimulants can have significant adverse consequences, including physical symptoms such as nausea, elevated blood pressure, and increased heart rate.

Adverse Physical Consequences of Repeated Stimulant Use

Repeated use of stimulants can cause adverse psychological feelings of anxiety, hallucinations, and paranoia.

Adverse Psychological Consequences of Repeated Stimulant Use

Repeated use of stimulants alters normal brain functioning. It can lead to an overall depletion among the monoamine neurotransmitters (dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin).

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