behavioral pharmacology

Behavioral pharmacology is the study of how drugs affect behavior and mental processes. Researchers investigate how various substances, like medications or recreational drugs, influence mood, cognition, and actions. This field examines both the therapeutic effects and potential side effects of drugs, helping to understand addiction, treatment responses, and the underlying mechanisms in the brain. By exploring these relationships, behavioral pharmacology aims to improve drug development and treatment approaches, offering insights that can enhance mental health and wellbeing.