Psychopharmacology Final Exam Questions with 100%
Correct Answers | Verified 2026 | ASSURED SUCCESS
nonessential physiological processes shut down (i.e. digestion & reproduction), energy is channeled into
a host of functions preparing for rapid action. - CORRECT ANSWERS When a person or animal
confronts actual (or perceived) danger situations, what neurochemical and hormonal reactions start to
occur?
cortex, amygdala - CORRECT ANSWERS Stressful events are perceived at the __________,
processed at the _______, which then activates lower brain areas & puts the limbic system on alert
norepinephrine - CORRECT ANSWERS when there is imminent danger, a burst of excitation
originates from the locus coeruleus which releases _____________, which results in instantaneous
hypervigilance.
limbic system and hypothalamus by activating the SNS, HTA, or HPA - CORRECT ANSWERS
what is responsible for the release of stress hormones?
chloride - CORRECT ANSWERS _________ ions act as a brake and dampen the limbic alert
benzodiazepines - CORRECT ANSWERS ________ enhance the flow of negative (chloride) ions
which results in widespread calming in may areas of the brain
serotonin - CORRECT ANSWERS excitability in the locus coerulues is also mediated by
_______
inhibitory - CORRECT ANSWERS in the Locus Coeruleus, serotonin is ____________.
activation - CORRECT ANSWERS A decrease in serotonin may impact the locus coeruleus by
making it more disinhibited and more sensitive to ___________.
, amygdala - CORRECT ANSWERS Acquired fears appear to be mediated primarily by the
___________.
encodes - CORRECT ANSWERS After very frightening events, the amygdala ________ certain
stimulus events of the experience. These memories are highly resistant to extinction.
serotonin - CORRECT ANSWERS There is speculation that _______ many play a role in
inhibiting cellular reactivity in the amygdala
benzodiazepines, atypical antianxiety (buspirone), SNRIs and SSRIs, andn gabapentin - CORRECT
ANSWERS What are four medication options for treating GAD?
dependence/substance abuse - CORRECT ANSWERS Benzodiazepines can be used to treat
severe cases of GAD, but should not be used if the patient is at risk for ___________
Buspirone - CORRECT ANSWERS _______ reduces worry and rumination seen in GAD, but it is
not addictive
gabapentin - CORRECT ANSWERS This antiseizure medication is primarily used to treat
anxiety in bipolar disorder
psychotropic medications - CORRECT ANSWERS Specific phobias are generally not treated
with __________________.
beta-blockers - CORRECT ANSWERS what is effective at reducing anxiety surrounding public
speaking?
SSRIs, SNRIs, or MAOIs - CORRECT ANSWERS Pervasive forms social anxiety (and avoidant
personality disorder) may be treated with what three medications?
Correct Answers | Verified 2026 | ASSURED SUCCESS
nonessential physiological processes shut down (i.e. digestion & reproduction), energy is channeled into
a host of functions preparing for rapid action. - CORRECT ANSWERS When a person or animal
confronts actual (or perceived) danger situations, what neurochemical and hormonal reactions start to
occur?
cortex, amygdala - CORRECT ANSWERS Stressful events are perceived at the __________,
processed at the _______, which then activates lower brain areas & puts the limbic system on alert
norepinephrine - CORRECT ANSWERS when there is imminent danger, a burst of excitation
originates from the locus coeruleus which releases _____________, which results in instantaneous
hypervigilance.
limbic system and hypothalamus by activating the SNS, HTA, or HPA - CORRECT ANSWERS
what is responsible for the release of stress hormones?
chloride - CORRECT ANSWERS _________ ions act as a brake and dampen the limbic alert
benzodiazepines - CORRECT ANSWERS ________ enhance the flow of negative (chloride) ions
which results in widespread calming in may areas of the brain
serotonin - CORRECT ANSWERS excitability in the locus coerulues is also mediated by
_______
inhibitory - CORRECT ANSWERS in the Locus Coeruleus, serotonin is ____________.
activation - CORRECT ANSWERS A decrease in serotonin may impact the locus coeruleus by
making it more disinhibited and more sensitive to ___________.
, amygdala - CORRECT ANSWERS Acquired fears appear to be mediated primarily by the
___________.
encodes - CORRECT ANSWERS After very frightening events, the amygdala ________ certain
stimulus events of the experience. These memories are highly resistant to extinction.
serotonin - CORRECT ANSWERS There is speculation that _______ many play a role in
inhibiting cellular reactivity in the amygdala
benzodiazepines, atypical antianxiety (buspirone), SNRIs and SSRIs, andn gabapentin - CORRECT
ANSWERS What are four medication options for treating GAD?
dependence/substance abuse - CORRECT ANSWERS Benzodiazepines can be used to treat
severe cases of GAD, but should not be used if the patient is at risk for ___________
Buspirone - CORRECT ANSWERS _______ reduces worry and rumination seen in GAD, but it is
not addictive
gabapentin - CORRECT ANSWERS This antiseizure medication is primarily used to treat
anxiety in bipolar disorder
psychotropic medications - CORRECT ANSWERS Specific phobias are generally not treated
with __________________.
beta-blockers - CORRECT ANSWERS what is effective at reducing anxiety surrounding public
speaking?
SSRIs, SNRIs, or MAOIs - CORRECT ANSWERS Pervasive forms social anxiety (and avoidant
personality disorder) may be treated with what three medications?
