Which of the following best describes central nervous system depressants?

• A. They cause hallucinations and perceptual distortions.
• B. They increase alertness and stimulate brain activity.
• C. They primarily enhance memory and cognitive function.
• D. They slow down brain activity and can induce relaxation or drowsiness.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that central nervous system (CNS) depressants are a class of drugs that affect the brain and spinal cord by reducing neural activity.
2. Recognize that CNS depressants typically slow down brain function, leading to effects such as relaxation, drowsiness, and decreased anxiety.
3. Differentiate CNS depressants from other drug classes: stimulants increase alertness and brain activity, hallucinogens cause perceptual distortions, and cognitive enhancers improve memory and cognition.
4. Identify that the key characteristic of CNS depressants is their ability to reduce the speed of brain activity, which can help with anxiety, sleep disorders, or seizures.
5. Conclude that the best description of CNS depressants is that they slow down brain activity and can induce relaxation or drowsiness.