Neurotransmitters

Neurotransmitters

Biochemical substances that carries information

Dopamine

Correlated with movement, mood, attention, and learning

Too much dopamine

Associated with schizophrenia (too many dopamine receptors)

Too little dopamine

Associated with some forms of depression as well as the muscular rigidity and tremors found in Parkinson's disease

Norepinephrine

Associated with eating, alertness, stress responses

Too much Norepinephrine

Associated with schizophrenia

Too little Norepinephrine

Associated with depression

Epinephrine

Involved in energy and glucose metabolism

Too much epinephrine

Results in restlessness and anxiety

Too little epinephrine

Associated with depression

Serotonin

If too much serotonin is available, heart problems and mental confusion could occur (not likely to occur naturally; some antidepressant medications increase the availability of serotonin at the receptor sites)

Too little serotonin

Associated with depression and some anxiety disorders (esp. Obsessive compulsive disorder/OCD)

GABA (Gamma-Amino Butyric Acid)

Inhibits excitation and anxiety

Too much GABA

Overly relaxed and sedated, often to the point that normal reactions are impaired

Too little GABA

Associated with anxiety and anxiety disorders & seizures

Endorphins

Involved in pain relief and feelings of pleasure and contentedness

Too little Endorphins

Associated with depression and/or fibromyalgia