Neuroscience

The genetic material in the body is referred to as a genome (Stahl, 2013).  Every cell in the body carries the same DNA but only expresses specific genes required for its domain (Stahl, 2013).  For this reason, cells in the dermis only produce cells required to maintain and rejuvenate the dermis.  Epigenetics is the reason why skin cells differ from brain cells or cardiac cells.  Epigenetics is a term used for the external modifications to the DNA affecting the way it is recognized by cells (Stahl, 2013).  There are thee different methods of epigenetics, DNA myelination, histone acetylation, and microRNA (Stahl, 2013).  Genomes are affected by different exposures during development, environmental chemicals, drugs or pharmaceuticals, aging, and diet (Stahl, 2013).  Alterations in genes may result from these exposures and be passed on to offspring causing a change in the epigenome (Stahl, 2013). 

Psychotropic medications target specific molecular sites to increase neurotransmission. After neurotransmitters release from neurons, they are quickly recollected and utilized again for neurotransmission (Stahl, 2013).  The five essential sites of action for psychotropic medications are 12-transmembrane-region transporter, 7-transmembrane-region-G-protein linked, enzymes, 4-transmembrane-region-ligand-gated ion channel, and 6-transmembrane-region-voltage-gated ion channels (Stahl, 2013).

When cellular alterations occur due to brain injury, neurodegeneration, changes in the extracellular matrix, and changes in voltage and ligand-gated ion channels transpire (Iori, 2018).  A variety of molecular changes, regulation of gene expression, and epigenetic modifications take place as well(Iori, 2018).  As a result, functional impairments such as epilepsy, developmental delay, cognitive/sensory-motor deficits, and drug refractoriness may occur (Iori, 2018).  Many factors affect the outcomes of medication.  Through assessment is required to determine environmental issues, incidents of trauma, and relevant health history. Understanding that many factors influence the effectiveness of the psychotropic medication is imperative when determining the appropriate treatment course (Lambert, 2004).