Types of psychostimulants (or psychoanalleptics)

We go out partying and we want to dance the night away. We have to study for an exam or turn in a project in too short a time. In these situations and others like it, one's physical and / or mental energy can rapidly diminish until we are exhausted.

Some people, aware of this fact or simply for recreational purposes, decide to use substances to raise their level of arousal and mood. These substances that maintain or increase the level of activation are called psychostimulants, being in many cases substances with enormous addictive potential.

But the concept of "psychostimulant" does not refer to a specific and well-defined class of substance. Rather, there are different types of psychostimulants that are studied both from clinical psychology and from psychiatry. Let's see what they are and what characteristics they present.

Psychostimulants or psychoanalptics

Psychostimulants are a group of substances with psychoactive effects whose main effect is to increase brain activation. This increase generally produces an alteration and acceleration of activity and mood, as well as metabolism. Also called psychoanalyptics, the type of alteration they cause involves a state of stimulation subjectively perceptible by the sufferer, without this having to affect the state of conscience.

The effect of these substances is mainly due to their interaction with the reuptake or release mechanisms of neurotransmitters, especially the dopamine and the noradrenaline. For this very reason they are highly addictive substances, by greatly affecting the brain reward mechanism.

The use of these substances can be derived from a large number of factors. They are sometimes used in medicine to treat some disorders, being used as anesthetics or for their effects on behavior. In many cases its use is purely recreational, running the risk of abusive consumption, poisoning and generate withdrawal syndromes (in which there are effects contrary to those generated by the poisoning).

Because they allow increasing the level of physical and mental activity, they are sometimes used to improve physical performance or maintain the ability to concentrate during study. Other substances included in this group are frequently consumed in the usual diet, precisely because of its stimulating effects, or they are started and continue to be consumed due to the reinforcement Social.

Main types of psychostimulants

The group of substances known as psychostimulants is made up of several substances that have in common the increased stimulation and activity they cause. As main components of this category we find cocaine, amphetamines, xanthines and nicotine.

The first two and their derivatives are considered major stimulants, generally consumed illegally and with recreational purposes despite the fact that in some cases they are used at a medical level to treat some disorders and symptom. With regard to the last two, xanthines and nicotine, they are a type of psychostimulants considered minor as they cause a lower stimulation (although more controllable).

1. Cocaine

Initially made for medicinal purposes, this psychostimulant obtained from the plant Erythrosylon coca It is one of the most known and dangerous excitatory substances of plant origin, in addition to being among the most addictive drugs.

Cocaine acts at the neurochemical level blocking the reuptake of monoaminergic neurotransmitters, producing a profound effect especially on dopaminergic transmission. As dopamine is one of the main responsible for the brain's reward system, this causes us to be dealing with a substance with a high addictive potential.

Generally consumed by nasal aspiration, its administration produces important behavioral changes with surprising speed. After consumption euphoria and hyperarousal appear, disinhibiting behavior and causing perceptual changes and even hallucinations in some cases. It increases the liveliness of the subject, increasing the heart rate and tension on a physical level. Feelings of greatness appear that together with an expansive mood can lead to aggressiveness. The effects are relatively short-lived.

Its effects are also well known when it comes to combating feelings of hunger and cold, as well as inhibiting pain. For that reason has been used as a pain reliever and even used by the army during major warlike conflicts, such as the First World War.

The appearance of dependence on this type of psychostimulant is frequent, as well as poisonings and withdrawal syndromes. In the latter case, the effects are the opposite of those caused by consumption: lowering of the mood, which may appear depressive symptoms and anhedonia, tiredness, hypersomnia, hypothermia, intense hunger and compulsive desire to use the drug or craving.

2. Amphetamines

Popularized among soldiers during World War II for its ability to combat low mood and reduce fatigue, amphetamines are a type of psychostimulant with effects similar to those of cocaine.

Initially, it produces a feeling of well-being or "high" followed by behavioral and social disinhibition, hyperactivity and poor reasoning capacity.

It also has a bronchodilator effect and decreases appetite. Its mechanism of action also affects monoamines, acting above all on dopamine and norepinephrine by blocking their reuptake. But, in addition to blocking reuptake, they cause it to be released in more quantity, with which the effects are more lasting than those of cocaine. As it lasts longer, consumption distances itself further in time. Even so, there is still a high risk of dependence on this type of substance.

Nonetheless, amphetamine derivatives are used medically to treat multiple disorders. Specifically, its effects have been used in the treatment of obesity, narcolepsy and initially was used as a treatment for asthma, although over time it has been given other substances.

Although it may seem strange due to the high level of activity that many of those who suffer from it, another of the disorders in which a derivative of amphetamines is used is ADHD, since they increase the ability to concentrate and produce an improvement in symptoms.

3. Xanthines

Although the name of xanthine may not tell us anything at first, the substances grouped under this name are some of the most consumed by the majority of the population. We are talking about caffeine, theophylline or theobromine: mainly coffee, tea and chocolate, although they can also be found in soft drinks and energy drinks.

These are products consumed en masse by most of the population in relatively low doses, the appearance of dependence, abuse or withdrawal problems being unlikely. Its main effects are increased activity level, decreased tiredness and fatigue and a slight improvement in mood.

The action of xanthines is mainly due to an antagonistic action on adenosine, an action that would result in a greater presence and transmission of catecholamines (including dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin).

In the case of caffeine, cases of physiological dependence and rebound effect have been found after stopping taking it. Excessive or prolonged consumption can cause symptoms of anxiety as restlessness, insomnia or acceleration of thought. Although excessive doses can cause death from respiratory failure, the amount required is so high that it is unlikely.

4. Nicotine

When we think of someone who smokes, we generally imagine someone trying to relax by using tobacco. However, although it may seem paradoxical, nicotine is actually an exciting substance, producing an indirect effect on dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine. That is why it is included within the main types of psychostimulants.

Extracted from the plant Nicotiana tabacum, nicotine works by producing an increase in neuronal activity by acting on certain acetylcholine receptors called nicotinics, increasing the excitability of the neuron. With this I know makes neurotransmitters, especially dopamine, release more easily. In addition, as is known, it is a highly addictive substance.

The fact that many people consider smoking relaxing is due to the fact that the behavioral effects of this substance vary according to the dose and the consumption pattern. At low doses the excitatory effect is more visible, producing disinhibition and a higher level of activity, vigilance and performance.

However, if the consumption of nicotine is very high or is prolonged in time, the neurons are overexcited and ends up generating a depressant effect on the nervous system, which behaviorally becomes sedative or soothing.

Bibliographic references:

• American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Fifth edition. DSM-V. Masson, Barcelona.

• Salazar, M.; Peralta, C.; Pastor, J. (2006). Manual of Psychopharmacology. Madrid, Editorial Médica Panamericana.

• Santos, J.L.; García, L.I.; Calderón, M.A.; Sanz, L.J.; de los Ríos, P.; Izquierdo, S.; Roman, P.; Hernangómez, L.; Navas, E.; Ladrón, A and Álvarez-Cienfuegos, L. (2012). Clinical psychology. CEDE Preparation Manual PIR, 02. CEDE. Madrid.