Neurotransmitters Flashcards
What are the four main neurotransmitters that regulate mood?
Serotonin
Dopamine
GABA
Norepinephrine
What are the inhibitory/calming neurotransmitters?
Serotonin
GABA
What are the excitatory/stimulating neurotransmitters?
Dopamine
Norepinephrine
How does GABA work?
It helps the neurons recover after firing and thereby reduces anxiety, worry, and fretfulness
GABA regulates norepinephrine, adrenaline, dopamine, and serotonin, it is a significant mood modulator
What can happen if there is too much GABA?
Sluggishness/sleepiness
What symptoms are experienced if there is too little GABA?
ssociated with high anxiety, impulsivity, inability to handle stress, restlessness, and irritability
What can deplete levels of serotonin?
Sustain levels of high stress Lack of sleep Poor nutrition Inflammation Genetic mutations Certain prescription medications
Why is serotonin important?
Protects against depression (and anxiety)
Also intimately tied to many biological processes such as sleep, appetite, pain, digestion
What symptoms are associated with low levels of serotonin?
Depression Worry Insomnia Obsessive thoughts Compulsive behaviors Carbohydrate cravings PMS Exaggerated response to pain
What is the main regulator in the reward pathway?
Dopamine
Why is dopamine important?
Adequate dopamine levels are needed to allow us to focus our attention
Responsible for motivation, interest and drive
What can happen if there is too much dopamine?
Hallucinations Delusions Agitation Mania Psychosis
Why is glutamate important?
It is an excitatory transmitter required for learning and memory in the brain
What neurotransmitters are involved in alcohol dependence?
Increased glutamate
Decreased GABA
