Prior to beginning work on this discussion, read Chapters 3 and 4 in your course textbook, and watch The nervous system and the senses video. This week’s required and recommended materials will cover topics on neurotransmitters, receptors, neurotransmitter systems, nervous system structures and function, and neural pathways, with a focus on their role in cognition and behavior (both normal and abnormal). Remember, in this course our focus is on the neurobiology of psychological disorders, and these resources will assist you in completing your coursework.

Please choose either Option A or Option B for your discussion posting.

Option A

Complete the following: Evaluate one of the neurotransmitters covered in this week’s readings. Explain the role it plays in modulating responses to a drug of abuse in Substance Use Disorder (SUD). For example, you could choose the acetylcholine receptor system and discuss the role this neurotransmitter plays in nicotine use disorder (addiction to nicotine). In addition to your evaluation of the specific neurotransmitter and its associated receptor system, discuss the involved neuroanatomical structures (brain regions and neural pathways); the contribution of genetics and environment to the development of dependence, tolerance, and addiction to this substance; as well as clinical treatment interventions (both pharmacological and nonpharmacological). Also in your discussion, imagine you are in a career position that utilizes a degree in psychology, including, but not limited to, that of a social worker, teacher or teacher’s aide, child care worker, psychiatric technician or other behavioral health staff, peer support specialist, social service specialist, probation or parole officer, case manager, or counselor. How would your knowledge of the neurobiology of Substance Use Disorder (substance abuse/addiction) help you in your professional life? How would this knowledge help you better assist your clients, students, or patients? For instance, think of how this knowledge would help reduce the stigma associated with this disorder, or how this might reinforce the need for compliance with recommended treatment.

You must use a minimum of one peer-reviewed or scholarly source that was published within the last five years, documented in APA style, as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center. Your post should be a minimum of 250 words. You may cite and reference your textbook, required or recommended reading, or multimedia, but these will not fulfill the source requirement.

Make sure to use terminology from the DSM-5 for the substance use disorder that you select to discuss. Please be sure to access the DSM-5 directly in our library. For further information view The DSM-5: Accessing and Using the DSM-5 in the Ashford University Library (Links to an external site.) screencast on how to access and use this resource, and how to cite and reference the DSM-5.

Option B

Complete the following: Evaluate one of the neurotransmitters covered in this week’s readings. Explain the role it plays in a neurological or psychological disorder of your choice. For example, you could choose the dopaminergic (dopamine) system and discuss the role this neurotransmitter has in the development of schizophrenia. In addition to your evaluation of the specific neurotransmitter and its associated receptor system, discuss how this disorder is thought to involve abnormalities of neuroanatomical structures and neural pathways, as well as the contribution of genetics and environment to the development and clinical management of this disorder. Also in your discussion, imagine you are in a career position that utilizes a degree in psychology, including but not limited to that of a social worker, teacher or teacher’s aide, child care worker, psychiatric technician or other behavioral health staff, peer support specialist, social service specialist, probation or parole officer, case manager, or counselor. How would your knowledge of this information regarding the neurobiology of the neuropsychological disorder help you in your professional life? How would this knowledge help you better assist your clients, students, or patients? For instance, think of how this knowledge would help reduce the stigma associated with this disorder, or how this might reinforce the need for compliance with recommended treatment.

You must use a minimum of one peer-reviewed or scholarly source that was published within the last five years, documented in APA style, as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center. Your post should be a minimum of 250 words. You may cite and reference your textbook, required or recommended reading, or multimedia, but these will not fulfill the source requirement.

Make sure to use terminology from the DSM-5 for psychological/behavioral health conditions and current terminology from professional sources for neurological conditions. Please be sure to access the DSM-5 directly in our library. For further information view The DSM-5: Accessing and Using the DSM-5 in the Ashford University Library (Links to an external site.) screencast on how to access and use this resource, and how to cite and reference the DSM-5.

Guided Response: Respond substantively to a minimum of two of your classmate’s original posts, preferably those that have identified neurotransmitters different than you. Each of your responses should address both the neurotransmitter/receptor system and neuroanatomical structures involved for either the drug of abuse or the neurological or psychological disorder that your peer analyzed. In addition, please observe the following guidelines for all responses: Provide a courteous and interactive learning environment. Continue to monitor the discussion board throughout the active learning week and reply to anyone (instructor or classmate) who has chosen to respond to your original post. Your responses should address (at minimum) both the neurotransmitter and receptor system in their discussion, as well as the drug of abuse and/or the neurological or psychological disorder they assessed. Your responses should demonstrate that you have read the existing replies on the board (in your response, mention information and viewpoints already expressed by existing responses to the same post).