Nicotion Addiction & Brain Chemistry (AQA A-Level Psychology): Flashcards
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Neurochemistry definition
Neurochemistry definition
Chemicals in brain regulating psychological functioning
Dopamine
Dopamine
Neurotransmitter with excitatory effects creating pleasure
Nicotine addiction global prevalence
Nicotine addiction global prevalence
Approx. 1/3 of global adult population
Desensitisation hypothesis proposers (1996)
Desensitisation hypothesis proposers (1996)
John Dani and Steve Heinemann
Desensitisation in nicotine addiction
Desensitisation in nicotine addiction
Receptor shuts down temporarily, becomes unresponsive
Downregulation
Downregulation
Reduction in number of active neurons available
Mesolimbic pathway route
Mesolimbic pathway route
VTA to nucleus accumbens to frontal cortex
Why first cigarette of day most enjoyable
Why first cigarette of day most enjoyable
nAChRs at most sensitive state, reactivates dopamine system
Tolerance in nicotine addiction
Tolerance in nicotine addiction
Need more cigarettes to achieve same pleasurable effects
Shiffman et al. (1995) chippers finding
Shiffman et al. (1995) chippers finding
5 cigs/day, no withdrawal signs when abstaining