Neurotransmitters implicated in the generation and control of emotional behavior:

Question 1

Serotonin (5HT) Turnover =

Answer 1

reuptake & resynthesis, as determined by levels of metabolite 5-HIAA in blood

Question 2

Low Serotonin Turnover associated with…

Answer 2

…increased levels of impulsive behavior including…
- Sudden aggression, rapid cocaine addiction, no pause at choice pts, poor delayed gratification, etc.

• Also associated with (esp seasonal disorders that can lead to) depression & suicide

Question 3

drop in Serotonin associated w/…

Answer 3

…crankiness that arises when overdue to begin sleep cycle

Question 4

Prozac

Answer 4

• Anti-depression drug

- gets around Turnover issue by blocking 5HT re-uptake, prolonging synapse

Question 5

CCK

Answer 5

Stimulation of (excitatory) CCK sites in Amygdala => enhanced Startle Reflex

• CCK an NT/Hormone also involved in appetite suppression, so antagonist is calming but promotes overeating

Question 6

GABA

Answer 6

Inhibitory NT, hyper-polarizes cell by admitting Cl- ions, affects emotion in Amygdala & Hypothalamus

Question 7

GABA agonists

Answer 7

• Most anxiety-reducing (axiolytic) drugs are Benzodiazepines (e.g. Valium, Xanax),
• prevents it from being released from the post-synaptic cell
• helps prevent panic attacks
• Decreases both own experience of anxiety and how perceive anxiety in others!

Question 8

Most GABA receptor sites also bind

Answer 8

Benzo’s

enables GABA to bind more easily and longer

Question 9

Panic Attacks

Answer 9

blocking of GABA sites in Amygdala