Psychopharmacology: GABA-A subunit and sedation: practice question

A Psychiatry question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Psychiatry · Psychopharmacology: GABA-A subunit and sedation

Sample item

Benzodiazepine effects are mediated by different alpha subunits of the GABA-A receptor. Which subunit is mainly responsible for sedation?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

C. Alpha-1

The alpha-1 subunit mediates sedation and anterograde amnesia, which is why Z-drugs selective for it are hypnotics. The alpha-2 subunit mediates anxiolysis and muscle relaxation, and alpha-5 is linked with memory.

Option by option

  • A. Alpha-5

    Alpha-5 is linked to memory and learning.

  • B. Alpha-3

    Alpha-3 is linked to anxiolysis and muscle relaxation, not sedation.

  • C. Alpha-1 (correct)

    Correct. Alpha-1 mediates sedation.

  • D. Alpha-2

    Alpha-2 is chiefly linked to anxiolysis.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this Psychiatry question

What is the answer to this Psychiatry question?

The best answer is C, Alpha-1. The alpha-1 subunit mediates sedation and anterograde amnesia, which is why Z-drugs selective for it are hypnotics.

Why is "Alpha-5" not the answer?

Alpha-5 is linked to memory and learning.

Why is "Alpha-3" not the answer?

Alpha-3 is linked to anxiolysis and muscle relaxation, not sedation.

Why is "Alpha-2" not the answer?

Alpha-2 is chiefly linked to anxiolysis.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Psychopharmacology: GABA-A subunit and sedation in Psychiatry. The alpha-2 subunit mediates anxiolysis and muscle relaxation, and alpha-5 is linked with memory.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as a multi-step question: it asks you to combine more than one idea. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Psychopharmacology: GABA-A subunit and sedation?

Learn each diagnosis by its core features and its first-line treatment. Then use the flashcards and the other Psychiatry questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.