AP Psych Neurotransmitters & Hormones

Acetylcholine

voluntary movement, leaning, memory, and sleep

• too much is associated with depression

• too little is associated with dementia

Dopamine

movement, attention, and learning 

• too much is associated with schizophrenia 

• too little is associated with depression and Parkinson’s 

Norepinephrine

eating and alertness

• too much is associated with schizophrenia

• too little is associated with depression

Serotonin

mood, sleep, appetite, impulsive and aggressive behavior

• too much is associated with nervousness, insomnia, tremor

• too little is associated with depression and anxiety 

GABA

excitation and anxiety

• too much is associated with panic attacks and stress

• too little is associated with anxiety, seizures, tremors, and insomnia 

Glutamine

memory 

• too much is associated with migraines and seizures

• too little is associated with learning and memory issues 

Endorphins

pain relief and feelings of pleasure and contentedness

• too much is associated with obsessive exercise

• too little is associated with depression, sleep difficulties

Adrenaline

increased heart rate, dilated pupils, and heightened energy in response to perceived danger

• secreted by adrenal glands 

• activates the sympathetic nervous system 

Leptin

signals brain to decrease appetite when sufficient fat stores are present

• secreted by fat cells 

Gherkin

stimulates hunger and promotes eating by signaling the brain to initiate food intake

• secreted by the stomach

Melatonin

responsible for regulating sleep-wake cycles by promoting sleepiness when darkness occurs 

• secreted by the pineal gland  

Oxytocin

responsible for social bonding, trust, childbirth contractions, and lactation 

• secreted by the gland

• often called the “love hormone”