Neurotransmitters effect on mood and behavious Flashcards
What are endorphins
Endorphins are neurotransmitters that stimulate neurons involved in reducing the intensity of pain
What are increased levels of endorphins also connected with
feelings of pleasure obtained from activities such as eating
When does endorphin production increase
in response to severe injury
prolonged and continuous exercise
stress and certain foods
What is dopamine
Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that is produced in several regions of the brain
What affect does dopamine have
Dopamine induces the feeling of pleasure and reinforces particular behaviour in the reward pathway
When is the reward pathway activated
when an individual engages in a behaviour that is beneficial to them
What are agonists
Agonists bind to and stimulate receptors mimicking the neurotransmitter
What are antagonists
Chemicals that bind to specific receptors blocking the action of a neurotransmitter
How do inhibitors work
Inhibits the enzymes which degrade neurotransmitters or inhibit reuptake of neurotransmitter at the synapse causing an enhanced response
What is the result of repeated use of an antagonistic drug
The nervous system becomes sensitised
What does it mean that the nervous system is sensitised
there is an increase in both the number and sensitivity of these receptors
What does sensitisation in antagonistic drugs do
sensitisation leads to addiction where the individual craves more of the drug
What is the result of repeated use of an agonist drug
the nervous system becomes desensitised
What does it mean that the nervous system becomes desensitised
there is a decrease in both the number and sensitivity of these receptors
What does this desensitisation from agonist drugs lead to
leads to drug tolerance where the individual must take more of the drug to get an effect
Describe recreational drugs
can be agonists or antagonists
can affect neurotransmission at synapses in the brain altering an individuals mood, cognition, perception and behaviour
Where do recreational drugs affect neurotransmitters
in the reward pathway of the brain
Suggest how nicotine induces feelings of pleasure and so reinforces
smoking behaviour.
nicotine causes the release of dopamine
