Certified Prevention Professional (CPP) Practice Exam

Which of the following describes a characteristic of "CNS Depressants"?

1. They heighten reaction times

2. They are often used for sleep disorders

3. They inhibit memory formation

4. They stimulate brain activity

The correct answer is: They are often used for sleep disorders

The characteristic that describes CNS depressants is that they are often used for sleep disorders. CNS depressants work by slowing down the activity of the central nervous system, which can help induce relaxation and sleep. Medications in this class, such as benzodiazepines and barbiturates, are frequently prescribed to address insomnia and other sleep-related issues. Their sedative effects make them effective in treating anxiety and facilitating sleep onset. In contrast, the other choices relate to effects that are not associated with CNS depressants. Heightening reaction times is not characteristic of CNS depressants, as these substances typically slow down neural activity rather than speed it up. CNS depressants can affect memory, but their primary role is not to inhibit memory formation directly; instead, they affect overall cognitive function, including memory and coordination. Lastly, stimulating brain activity is primarily associated with CNS stimulants, not depressants, which are specifically designed to reduce CNS activity.