What term describes the increase in activity of the central nervous system?

The term that describes the increase in activity of the central nervous system is stimulants. Stimulants are a class of drugs that enhance alertness, attention, and energy by increasing the levels of certain neurotransmitters in the brain, such as dopamine and norepinephrine. Common examples of stimulants include caffeine, nicotine, and amphetamines.

These substances can lead to increased heart rate, improved mood, and heightened energy levels, which are all indicative of central nervous system activation. This enhanced activity can have both positive effects, such as increased focus, and negative effects, including anxiety and insomnia, depending on the amount and frequency of use.

In contrast, depressants, opiates, and barbiturates have the opposite effect, as they generally reduce the activity of the central nervous system. Depressants promote relaxation and calmness, opiates are primarily used for pain relief and can induce sedation, and barbiturates are a category of depressants that can lead to significant sedation and impairment. Therefore, stimulants are uniquely positioned as substances that increase central nervous system activity.