Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CAADC) Practice Exam

Which term refers to drugs that reduce nervous tension by depressing nerve functions?

1. Narcotics

2. Neuroleptics

3. Stimulants

4. Antidepressants

The correct answer is: Neuroleptics

The term that refers to drugs that reduce nervous tension by depressing nerve functions is neuroleptics. Neuroleptics, also known as antipsychotic medications, are primarily used to manage symptoms associated with conditions like schizophrenia and other mental disorders. They work by modulating the effects of neurotransmitters in the brain, particularly dopamine, which can help alleviate symptoms of anxiety and agitation commonly associated with mental health disorders. While narcotics also have sedative effects, they primarily function as pain relief medications and are not specifically designated for reducing nervous tension. Stimulants, on the other hand, increase nerve activity and elevate mood, which is contradictory to the action described in the question. Antidepressants focus on balancing mood disorders but may not directly imply the same depressant effects on nerve functions as neuroleptics do in the context of reducing nervous tension. Therefore, neuroleptics are the most fitting choice for the definition provided.