American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN) Practice Exam

Disable ads (and more) with a membership for a one time $2.99 payment

Prepare for the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology Exam. Practice with questions and detailed explanations to boost your confidence. Ensure your readiness for the big day!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

Practice this question and more.


Which neurotransmitter is primarily involved in the effects of ecstasy?

  1. Norepinephrine

  2. GABA

  3. Serotonin

  4. Acetylcholine

The correct answer is: Serotonin

The correct choice is serotonin. Ecstasy, or MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine), significantly impacts the serotonin system in the brain. When ecstasy is consumed, it causes a massive release of serotonin, leading to heightened mood, feelings of emotional closeness, and enhanced sensory perception. This increase in serotonin levels is responsible for many of the drug's characteristic effects, such as euphoria and increased social interaction. While norepinephrine, GABA, and acetylcholine are all important neurotransmitters in the central nervous system, they do not play the primary role in the effects associated with ecstasy. Norepinephrine is more associated with the sympathetic nervous system and effects related to arousal and alertness. GABA primarily functions as an inhibitory neurotransmitter, reducing neuronal excitability throughout the nervous system. Acetylcholine is crucial for muscle activation and various functions in the brain, such as memory and attention. However, none of these neurotransmitters are primarily responsible for the hallmark effects of ecstasy, making serotonin the key player in this context.