Neurotransmitters and Their Functions

These flashcards cover key neurotransmitters, their functions, and their relevance to mental health disorders discussed in the lecture.

Acetylcholine (ACH)

The first discovered neurotransmitter involved in motor movement and memory.

Dopamine

A neurotransmitter associated with emotion, motor movement, and pleasure; high levels are linked to schizophrenia and low levels to Parkinson's disease.

Serotonin (5-HT)

A neurotransmitter that regulates mood, and sleepiness; low levels are associated with depression.

Norepinephrine (NE)

A neurotransmitter involved in mood regulation and the body's fight-or-flight response.

GABA (Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid)

An inhibitory neurotransmitter that helps control anxiety by preventing excessive neuronal firing.

Substance P

A neurotransmitter that transmits pain signals; implicated in the sensation of pain.

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)

Drugs that block the reuptake of serotonin, increasing its availability in the brain to help treat depression.

Schizophrenia

A mental disorder characterized by delusions, hallucinations, and impairments in functioning, often associated with dopamine imbalances.

Alzheimer's disease

A neurodegenerative disorder characterized by memory loss, linked to a decrease in acetylcholine production.

Thorazine

An antipsychotic medication used to treat schizophrenia by reducing dopamine levels.