Examination for Professional Practice of Psychology (EPPP) Practice Test

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Prepare for the Examination for Professional Practice of Psychology. Study with our comprehensive quiz featuring multiple choice questions, hints, and detailed explanations. Ace your exam with confidence!

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The neurotransmitter glutamate is primarily associated with which of the following effects?

effects of alcohol on cognitive abilities
increased sociability with alcohol use
alcohol cravings in abusers
dietary modifications with chronic alcohol use

The correct answer is: effects of alcohol on cognitive abilities

Glutamate is a major excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain that plays a crucial role in synaptic plasticity, learning, and memory. When considering its primary associations, glutamate's involvement in the effects of alcohol on cognitive abilities is significant. Alcohol primarily inhibits the action of glutamate, leading to impairments in cognitive functions such as attention, memory, and decision-making. This inhibition contributes to the cognitive deficits observed after alcohol consumption, making it the most relevant choice in this context. While other options may relate to broader aspects of alcohol use and its effects, they do not specifically highlight glutamate's primary role in those areas. For example, while alcohol can increase sociability or cravings, these effects are more closely linked to other neurotransmitters like dopamine rather than glutamate. Therefore, the association of glutamate with cognitive abilities under the influence of alcohol stands out as the most accurate representation of its role.