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increases in 5-HT transmitter levels.

decreases in 5-HT receptor expression.

heightened anxiety.

Which one of the following characteristics makes atypical anti-psychotics particularly effective at treating the negative symptoms associated with schizophrenia?

Enhancing dopamine levels within the pre-frontal cortex.

Enhancing 5-HT levels within the pre-frontal cortex.

Decreasing dopamine levels within the mesolimbic pathway.

Inhibiting 5-HT_2A receptor activity within the mesolimbic pathway.

A selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) such as fluoxetine:

has a dual action where it also antagonises 5-HT_2A receptors.

will only increase levels of 5-HT after an improvement in mood occurs.

can induce ECG changes even at therapeutic doses.

can cause initial increases in anxiety.

Haloperidol induces extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS) due to a direct action at:

5-HT receptors.

muscarinic receptors.

H₁ receptors.

D₂ receptors.

Which one of the following statements about anti-psychotics is CORRECT?

Clozapine is less effective at treating the positive symptoms of schizophrenia.

Haloperidol is a pure D₁ receptor antagonist.

Chlorpromazine is associated with potent inhibition of prolactin release.

Risperidone can be associated with weight gain.

Which one of the following statements about anxiolytics is CORRECT?

SSRIs' initial anxiolytic effects are attributed to their agonist action at 5-HT_2A receptors.

Buspirone decreases 5-HTergic transmission via activation of somatodendritic 5HT_1A receptors.

Benzodiazepines and buspirone are equally efficacious for treating acute anxiety.

Diazepam would be appropriate for individuals with a history of substance abuse.

Which one of the following would MOST LIKELY counteract the development of extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS)?

Antagonism of:

muscarinic receptors.

5-HT₂ receptors.

D₁ receptors.

nicotinic receptors.

Tricyclic anti-depressants (eg. desipramine) and Noradrenaline-Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (NSRIs) (eg. venlafaxine) share a similar mechanism of action, but differ in terms of likely side effects.

Which one of the following side effects would be associated with desipramine, but NOT venlafaxine?

initial increases in anxiety

drowsiness

bradycardia

cheese reaction

In comparison to older anti-psychotics, newer drugs such as risperidone are MOST LIKELY to be associated with:

5-HT receptor antagonism in the nigrostriatal pathway.

more severe extrapyramidal side effects.

D2 receptor activation in the pre-frontal cortex.

relief of negative symptoms.

Which one of the following statements about the typical anti-psychotic, chlorpromazine, is CORRECT?

Its therapeutic effects can partially be attributed to an increase in dopamine levels within the pre-frontal cortex.

It will not cause sedation.

It is less likely to be effective for treating the negative symptoms of schizophrenia.

It tends to induce extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS) to a greater degree than haloperidol.