Wize University Psychology Textbook > Neuroscience
Age & Pharmacology
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Age & Pharmacology
Psychopharmacology - the study of how drugs affect behaviour.
Pharmacokinetics - how the body handles a drug that we take. Involves:
- Absorption - how does the drug get into the blood?
- Distribution - how does the drug get to the organ of interest?
- Metabolism - how does the drug get broken down so it is no longer effective?
- Excretion - how does the drug leave the body?
Drugs that reach the brain quickly and activate reward circuits in the brain have a high risk for abuse and addiction. This includes stimulants like amphetamines and cocaine.
Juveniles and Psychopharmacology
There are many children with some type of mental disorder. The question of how to treat children with mental disorders is controversial.
Many psychoactive drugs have been tested exclusively in adults, and their safety and efficacy in teens and children haven't been established.
The Elderly and Psychopharmacology
The elderly have also often been excluded from trials determining the safety and efficacy of psychoactive drugs.
The elderly are prescribed a disproportionate number of prescription medications. In many cases, we do not know much about the effects of mixing multiple psychoactive drugs, or psychoactive drugs with other prescription medications.
Metabolism of drugs can be slower in the elderly, so lower doses may be required.
Practice: Age & Pharmacology
Which of the following is not a concern when thinking about prescription medications and older adults?