Psychopharmacology Library

Microdosing is the administration of a psychedelic drug/medication at one-tenth of the dose that would cause hallucinogenic effects.

Microdosing

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are a class of drugs used to treat conditions like depression, which is often associated with low serotonin levels. Unlike agonists or antagonists that bind to receptors, SSRIs work by blocking the reuptake process. This action prevents unused serotonin from being reabsorbed by the presynaptic neuron, allowing it to remain in the synaptic cleft for a longer period. The extended presence of serotonin enhances its interaction with postsynaptic receptors, thereby strengthening its overall effect. Common examples of SSRIs include Prozac, Paxil, and Zoloft.

SSRIs and SNRIs

A class of drugs that typically alleviate symptoms of schizophrenia. (Also called neuroleptics)

- The Dopamine Hypothesis

- Typical Antipsychotics

- Long-Term Effects of Antipsychotic Drugs

- Atypical Antipsychotics

- The Glutamate Hypothesis

Antipsychotic Drugs

Tricyclic (or heterocyclic) antidepressants inhibit the reuptake of serotonin and/or norepinephrine, and are thus called due to their three (or more)-ring chemical structure. Some examples include:

- Amitriptyline (Elavil) 
- Nortriptyline (Aventyl)
- Maprotiline hydrochloride (Ludiomil)
- Desipramine hydrochloride (Norpramin)
- Clomipramine (Anafranil)

A similar drug is Bupropion (Wellbutrin), which is an aminoketone that weakly blocks norepinephrine, serotonin, and dopamine reuptake.

Tricyclic Antidepressants

MAOIs inhibit the breakdown of the enzyme that breaks down monoamine neurotransmitters. Some MAOIs have antidepressant effects, including:

- Phenelzine (Nardil)
- Isocarboxazid (Marplan)
- Tranylcypromine (Parnate)

Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs)

Psychoplastogens class of compounds that take effect on neural plasticity in key circuits involved in brain health. Psychoplastogens include psychadelics, and produce a quantifiable change in plasticity within a short time frame (>72 h) post administration.

Psychoplastogens 

The study of the use of extracts and compounds obtained from mushrooms as medicines or health-promoting agents. Mycotherapy, also known as fungal or mushroom therapy, is a branch of natural medicine exploring the therapeutic properties and potential health benefits of various mushrooms. The practice of using mushrooms for medicinal purposes has been observed in different cultures throughout history, and it continues to gain recognition and scientific interest in modern times.

Mycotherapy

Medications that have Anticholinergic effects are associated with central and peripheral side effects. These include constipation, confusion, sedation, and dry mouth. Increased Anticholinergic exposure increases adverse risks.

Anticholinergic Medicines

Psychomotor stimulant drugs, such as amphetamines, are a primary treatment for narcolepsy. These medications function by increasing overall levels of neural activity to combat daytime sleepiness. Examples include modafinil, armodafinil, and various amphetamines.

Stimulants for Narcolepsy

The study of the effects of drugs on the brain and behavior.

Michigan State University

Scripps College

California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo

Biopsychology, also known as biological psychology, is a subfield of psychology that examines the influence of biological processes on behavior. It typically focuses on the immediate causes of behavior rooted in the physiology of an organism, with a primary emphasis on the nervous system's structure and function. This field is highly interdisciplinary, drawing on expertise from researchers with backgrounds in biology, medicine, physiology, and chemistry, and is considered a key component within the broader field of neuroscience.

Biopsychology (Biological Psychology)

Pinel, J. P., &amp; Barnes, S. J. (2018). Biopsychology (10th ed.). Essex: Pearson.

Biopsychology

The study of the neural mechanisms of behavior through direct manipulation of the brains of nonhuman animal subjects in controlled experiments.

Physiological Psychology

Psychopharmacology 

The study of the relation between physiological activity and psychological processes in human subjects by noninvasive methods.

Psychophysiology

The study of the evolution, genetics, and adaptiveness of behavior, often by using the comparative approach.

Comparative Psychology 

The study of the physiological basis for cognition.

Cognitive Neuroscience

Psycho-oncology is the study of physical/biological and social aspects of life with cancer. Its goal is to improve quality of life and to treat emotional and physical symptoms related to cancer treatment and lifestyle.  

Psycho-oncology 

Biopsychology involves the study of:
* Human Genetics
* Cells of the Nervous System
* Parts of the Nervous System
* The Brain and Spinal Cord
* The Endocrine System

Areas of Biopsychological Study

As per the biopsychosocial model, the biology, psychology, and social elements of a person interact, which influences that person's health.

Biopsychosocial Model

Biopsychological research is characterized by its interdisciplinary nature, frequently combining the research strategies of both psychologists and physiologists. This integrated approach is employed to investigate the relationship between the nervous system and behavior.

Interdisciplinary Research in Biopsychology

Biopsychology and evolutionary psychology differ in their primary focus. Biopsychology typically investigates the immediate, physiological causes of behavior within an organism. In contrast, evolutionary psychology seeks to understand the ultimate biological causes of behavior, examining how behaviors have evolved as adaptations over time.

Comparison between Biopsychology and Evolutionary Psychology

A researcher is investigating why a person's heart rate increases and their palms sweat when they encounter a sudden, frightening stimulus. Which of the following research questions best represents a biopsychological approach to understanding this reaction?

Biological psychologists investigate a wide array of topics to understand the link between biology and behavior. Key areas of study include sensory and motor systems, sleep patterns, the effects of drug use and abuse, ingestive behaviors like eating and drinking, and reproductive behaviors. Research also extends to neurodevelopment, the plasticity of the nervous system, and the biological underpinnings of psychological disorders.

Domains of Biopsychological Research

An example of a topic studied in biological psychology is how cellular changes in the hippocampus—a brain structure critical for learning and memory—relate to memory formation. A researcher investigating these structural and biological mechanisms to understand how memories are created would most likely identify as a biological psychologist.

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