Unit 1.3 AP Psychology

Updated 2025 Ver- neurotransmitters, hormones, and drugs

Acetylcholine (Ach)

Neurotransmitter- muscle action, learning, memory

Serotonin

Neurotransmitter- regulates mood, emotion, sleep, and appetite

Dopamine

Neurotransmitter- reward pathway, pleasure, motivation

Norepinephrine

Neurotransmitter- arousal, alertness, and stress response

GABA

Neurotransmitter- inhibits neuronal activity, calming effect

Glutamate

Neurotransmitter- thinking, learning, memory

Endorphins

Neurotransmitter- pain and stress reliever, mood elevator (“runner’s high”)

Substance P

Neurotransmitter- pain perception, inflammatory response, sends pain signals to the brain

Agonist

Chemical that binds with receptors, mimics/enhances neurotransmitters

Antagonist

Chemical that blocks receptors, suppresses neurotransmitters

Pituitary Gland

“Master gland,” responsible for hormone production, growth and development, and the regulation of other glands

Pineal Gland

Secretes melatonin, regulates sleep wake cycle

Adrenaline

Hormone- increases heart rate and energy, fight/flight response

Leptin

Hormone- inhibits hunger, regulates energy balance, communicates change in status

Ghrelin

Hormone- signals hunger to initiate eating

Melatonin

Hormone- released in response to darkness, sleep/wake cycle

Oxytocin

Hormone- “love hormone,” facilitates attachment in response to social interaction

Nicotine

Attaches to the reward center and increases dopamine

Cocaine

Blocks the reuptake of dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine

Amphetamines

Increases wakefulness and enhance cognitive performance

Methamphetamine

Fast acting stimulant, rush and crash

Sedatives

Reduces anxiety and induces sleep

Benzodiazepines

Slows heartbeat and breathing

LSD

Hallucinogen, creates “near death” feeling

Marijuana

Hallucinogen- feelings of relaxation and mild euphoria

Opioids

Drugs that produces feelings of pain relief