| Date | May 2015 | Marks available | 2 | Reference code | 15M.3.SL.TZ1.15 |
| Level | Standard level | Paper | Paper 3 | Time zone | Time zone 1 |
| Command term | Outline | Question number | 15 | Adapted from | N/A |
Question
List two examples of excitatory psychoactive drugs.
Outline the possible effects of excitatory drugs on mood and behaviour.
Discuss the causes of addiction to cocaine.
Markscheme
nicotine;
cocaine;
amphetamines;
ecstasy;
Award [1] for any two. Consider the first two only, if there are more.
a. increases arousal/alertness;
b. feelings of excitement/euphoria;
c. aggressive behaviour;
d. loss of judgement/self-control;
e. social withdrawal/depression/dysfunction;
f. loss of appetite;
a. peer pressure / cultural traditions;
b. inherited / genetic predisposition;
c. social problems / trauma;
d. passed from mother to newborn/when breast feeding;
e. many stimulate synapses with dopamine as a transmitter / blocks re-uptake of dopamine;
f. pleasurable effects of dopamine/euphoria/regular use may lead to addiction;
g. increasingly large/more regular doses needed for effect;
Examiners report
The majority of candidates knew two excitatory drugs and could list effects on behaviour.
The majority of candidates knew two excitatory drugs and could list effects on behaviour.
There were good answers addressing reasons for drug addiction, with many explaining the dopamine effect.
