Before entering fully into the definition of psychotropic, it is necessary to determine the etymological origin of the term. Specifically, we can establish that it derives from the Greek, since it is the result of the sum of three components thereof:
-The noun "psyke", which can be translated as "soul".
-The word "tropes", which is synonymous with "turn" or "turn."
-The suffix "-ico", which is used to indicate "relative to".
The psychoactive drugs they are chemical agents that act on the Central Nervous System (SNC ) and are in a position to alter various mind processes , generating changes in behavior, perception and awareness.
When the substance in question is capable of causing a high intensity effect and of generating an important modification of the personality , it is qualified as psychotropic .
Psychotropic substances have been used for various purposes throughout history. The medicine you can prescribe them for the treatment of psychiatric disorders or of neurological problems .
Specifically, among the most common diseases that are treated with psychotropic we find bipolar disorders, depressions, cases of psychosis and even used with people who have certain sleep disorders.
Psychotropics affect the neurotransmission ; that is, they modify the sending and / or reception of information that is produced through the synapse developed by neurons. In other words: a psychotropic can alter a physiological or biochemical procedure that takes place in the brain. According to its characteristics, it can inhibit or stimulate mental activity.
It is important to know that psychotropics are divided into three large groups or families:
-The neuroanalleptics, which stimulate what is the brain activity.
-The neuroleptics, which are responsible, on the contrary, to reduce this brain activity.
-The neurodisleptics, which, in turn, proceed to modify brain activity to some extent.
These psychotropic drugs are described differently according to the type of influence that they have about him SNC . There are psychotropics that are hallucinogens others act as stimulants and some receive the qualification of depressants .
It is important to mention that, beyond medicinal use, psychotropics are also often used for recreational purposes or for ritual purposes. There are those who appeal to psychotropics to deliberately alter mental activity, modifying perceptual abilities. Due to the damage caused by psychotropics on the Health when they are not used with discretion and following the instructions of a doctor, the sale of these substances is regulated by the law and, in certain cases, forbidden .
However, we cannot ignore that there are also certain substances that are considered natural psychotropic, because they do not include any type of pharmacological or toxic product, and that also manage to act in one way or another in what is our central nervous system. We are referring, in particular, to caffeine, which can be found in coffee or certain cola drinks; to alcohol in general and to cannabis. However, tobacco can also be included within this same group.
