The course examines the neuromediators, their receptors, postreceptor signalling mechanisms, their genetic regulation and the drugs on these pathways. The course aims to investigate the neurochemical, neuroanatomical and physiological basis of psychological disorders and drug addiction and the effects of psychoactive drugs on the brain and behavior.

The course examines the neuromediators, their receptors, postreceptor signalling mechanisms, their genetic regulation and the drugs on these pathways. The course basically concerns the effects of psychoactive drugs on the brain and behavior. The course will cover the mechanisms of action, and the behavioral and side effects of psychoactive drugs that are used in the treatment of psychological disorders (e.g., anti-depressants, anti-psychotics), and that affect mood and behavior (e.g., cocaine, heroine, LSD, and marijuana). The course will also focus on the neurochemical, neuroanatomical and physiological basis of psychological disorders and drug addiction. Furthermore, the course will include etiology of drug abuse, and heuristics and developmental psychopathology models of drug abuse.