Psych Class 1 Neurotransmitters

Serotonin (5-HT) Primary Function

mood regulation, sleep, appetite, memory

Serotonin (5-HT) Impact on Mental Illness

low levels: depression, anxiety, and OCD

Serotonin imbalance can also contribute to…

eating and panic disorders

Dopamine (DA) Primary Function

reward, motivation, attention, movement

Dopamine (DA) Impact on Mental Illness

low levels: Parkinsons disease and symptoms of depression

Dysregulation of dopamine is associated with…

schizophrenia (excess in certain pathways), ADHD, and substance abuse

Norepinephrine (NE) Primary Function

alertness, stress, response, arousal

Norepinephrine (NE) Impact on Mental Illness

imbalances: anxiety, PTSD, and depression

Norepinephrine (NE) overactivity…

panic attacks and mania in bipolar disorder

Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA) Primary Function

inhibitory signaling, calming effect

Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA) Impact on Mental Illness

low levels: anxiety, panic attacks, and insomnia

Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA) reduce activity may play a role in…

schizophrenia

Glutamate Primary Function

excitatory signaling, memory, learning

Glutamate Impact on Mental Illness

excess activity: neurotoxicity, implicated in schizophrenia and bipolar disorder

Glutamate deficiency is linked to…

cognitive deficits and depression

Acetylcholine (ACh) Primary Function

learning, memory, attention

Acetylcholine (ACh) Impact on Mental Health

deficits: Alzheimer’s and cognitive impairments

Acetylcholine (ACh) imbalances affect

mood and anxiety disorders

Endorphins Primary Function

pain relief, pleasure

Endorphins Impact on Mental Illness

low levels: depression and chronic pain conditions

Oxytocin Primary Function

social bonding and trust

Oxytocin Impact on Mental Illness

dysregulation: social anxiety, autism, spectrum disorders, and difficulties with emotional connections

Histamine Primary Function

wakefulness, appetite, learning

Histamine Impact on Mental Illness

imbalances: sleep disorders, anxiety, and schizophrenia