PSYCHO PHARMACOLOGY STUDY GUIDE
WITH FULL SOLUTIONS 2026
◉ Why psychopharmacology matters for MFTs. Answer: MFTs
collaborate with prescribers, monitor medication effects, support
adherence, and address relational impacts
◉ Pharmacokinetics. Answer: How a drug is absorbed, distributed,
metabolized, and eliminated by the body
◉ Half-life. Answer: The amount of time it takes for half of a drug to
be eliminated from the body
◉ Why pharmacokinetics matters clinically. Answer: It explains
delayed effects, side effects, dosing schedules, and why clients
respond differently
◉ Pharmacodynamics. Answer: How drugs affect the brain and body
at receptor and neurotransmitter levels
◉ Receptor. Answer: A site on a neuron where neurotransmitters or
medications bind to create an effect
, ◉ Therapeutic index. Answer: The safety range between an effective
dose and a toxic dose
◉ Neuron. Answer: A brain cell that transmits electrical and
chemical signals
◉ Synaptic transmission. Answer: The release of neurotransmitters
across the synapse to communicate between neurons
◉ Dopamine. Answer: Associated with pleasure, reward, motivation,
and movement
◉ Serotonin. Answer: Associated with mood regulation, sleep,
appetite, and emotional stability
◉ GABA. Answer: The primary calming inhibitory neurotransmitter
that reduces anxiety
◉ Glutamate. Answer: The primary excitatory neurotransmitter
involved in learning and memory
◉ SSRI. Answer: Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor
◉ Prozac (fluoxetine). Answer: SSRI used for depression and anxiety
WITH FULL SOLUTIONS 2026
◉ Why psychopharmacology matters for MFTs. Answer: MFTs
collaborate with prescribers, monitor medication effects, support
adherence, and address relational impacts
◉ Pharmacokinetics. Answer: How a drug is absorbed, distributed,
metabolized, and eliminated by the body
◉ Half-life. Answer: The amount of time it takes for half of a drug to
be eliminated from the body
◉ Why pharmacokinetics matters clinically. Answer: It explains
delayed effects, side effects, dosing schedules, and why clients
respond differently
◉ Pharmacodynamics. Answer: How drugs affect the brain and body
at receptor and neurotransmitter levels
◉ Receptor. Answer: A site on a neuron where neurotransmitters or
medications bind to create an effect
, ◉ Therapeutic index. Answer: The safety range between an effective
dose and a toxic dose
◉ Neuron. Answer: A brain cell that transmits electrical and
chemical signals
◉ Synaptic transmission. Answer: The release of neurotransmitters
across the synapse to communicate between neurons
◉ Dopamine. Answer: Associated with pleasure, reward, motivation,
and movement
◉ Serotonin. Answer: Associated with mood regulation, sleep,
appetite, and emotional stability
◉ GABA. Answer: The primary calming inhibitory neurotransmitter
that reduces anxiety
◉ Glutamate. Answer: The primary excitatory neurotransmitter
involved in learning and memory
◉ SSRI. Answer: Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor
◉ Prozac (fluoxetine). Answer: SSRI used for depression and anxiety
