PassingPsych

An agonist blocks the reuptake site on the presynaptic neuron, increasing the chances of a second action potential and therefore formation of a neural pathway. Agonists are an example of an excitatory neurotransmitter as they increase the likelihood of a second action potential. In this essay, I will give a detailed account of an agonist with the supporting study of Leucher et al.

Leucher et al's field experiment aimed to examine changes in brain function during treatment with a placebo. Their study examined the brain function of 51 patients with depression who received either a placebo or an active antidepressant medication. An EEG was used to compare brain function in the two experimental groups. The design was double-blind and ran over 9 weeks. The study used two different SSRIs (Serotonin Selective Reuptake Inhibitors), which were randomly allocated to participants. The results showed a significant increase in the activity of the prefrontal cortex nearly from the beginning of the trial in the placebo group. The pattern was different from those who were treated with the SSRI but both patients groups got better. This indicates that medication is effective but placebo is also effective. The difference in the brain indicates that the brain is perhaps able to heal itself since there were positive effects for both groups.

Leucher et al demonstrate the role of agonists. For example, participants showed increased activity in the prefrontal cortex. This is important because the SSRI is an agonist/excitatory neurotransmitter. Excitatory neurotransmitters block the receptors on the presynaptic neuron increasing the chances of a second action potential which would increase activity in the brain and formation of neural connections. Therefore agonists affect neural communication.