Ambulatory Care Nurse Certification Practice Exam 2026 - Free Practice Questions and Study Guide for Successful Certification

The condition characterized by the overuse of the central nervous system leading to increased tension is amphetamine overdose. Amphetamines are central nervous system stimulants that increase the release of neurotransmitters such as dopamine and norepinephrine, resulting in heightened alertness, energy, and euphoria. However, when these substances are consumed in excessive amounts, they can lead to a range of symptoms including increased heart rate, agitation, anxiety, and a heightened sense of tension. This heightened activity in the nervous system can manifest as severe anxiety or panic, further exacerbating feelings of tension and distress.

While depression, schizophrenia, and anxiety can also lead to feelings of tension or stress, they do not typically involve the acute overstimulation of the central nervous system that is characteristic of an amphetamine overdose. Depression is primarily associated with low energy and mood dysregulation, schizophrenia involves psychosis with symptoms like delusions and hallucinations, and anxiety is a mental health disorder marked by excessive worry. Amphetamine overdose distinctly highlights the overactivity of the nervous system as a direct result of substance misuse, leading to immediate and intense physical and psychological tension.