This week you were exposed to a variety of neurotransmitters and
neurotransmitter systems. The reading also discussed the role of these
substances in responses to drugs of abuse and psychological disorders.
Option A: Choose one of the neurotransmitters presented
this week and discuss the role it plays in modulating responses to a drug of
abuse. For example, you could choose the acetylcholine receptor system and
discuss the role this neurotransmitter plays in addiction to nicotine. Your
discussion should also indicate the neuroanatomical structures that may play a
role in addiction to this substance. Your initial post should be a minimum of
250 words and utilize at least one peer-reviewed source published within the
last five years.
Option B: Choose one of the
neurotransmitters presented this week and discuss the role it plays in a
psychological disorder of your choice. For example, you could choose the
dopamine receptor system and discuss the role this neurotransmitter has in the
development of schizophrenia. Your discussion should also indicate the
neuroanatomical structures that may play a role in development of this
psychological disorder. Your initial posting should be a minimum of 250 words
and utilize at least one peer-reviewed source published in the last 5
years.
Guided Response: Review several of your
classmates’ posts. Respond substantively to two peers who chose a different
neurotransmitter than you. Your response should comment on both the
neurotransmitter and either the drug of abuse or psychological disorder they
analyzed. Evaluate the strength of their argument. Do you think their argument
is supported by the research they used? If so, what are the strongest parts of
their analysis? If not, what would you suggest adding?
