AP Psych Unit 1 (1.3) Part Two: Chemical Connection - Neurotransmitters

Neurotransmitters

Chemical messenger that carries, boosts, and balances signals between neurons, or nerve cells, and other cells in the body.

Excitatory Neurotransmitters

They excite connecting neurons and cause them to fire, more action potentials are triggered.

Inhibitory Neurotransmitters

Inhibit (prevent) the next neurons from firing.

Nervous System Susceptible to Problems

Neurons might not manufacture enough of a particular neurotransmitter. Too much of a particular neurotransmitter may be released.

Multiple Sclerosis

Autoimmune disease resulting from the immune system damaging the myelin sheath protecting neurons in the Nervous System.

Myasthenia Gravis

Disease in which the immune system blocks or destroys receptor sites for Acetylcholine, decreasing the nerve signals muscles receive.

Acetylcholine “Movement & Memory” (ACh)

Principal neurotransmitter involved in learning, memory, and muscle action. (Excitatory)

Surplus of Acetylcholine

Too much acetylcholine is associated with severe muscle spasms.

Deficit of Acetylcholine

Too little has been associated with dementia & Alzheimer’s disease and Myasthenia gravis. Lack of muscle movement and control (paralysis).

Serotonin “Mood”

Connected to feelings of well-being and happiness; regulation of emotion, sleep (along with the hormone melatonin), hunger. (Inhibitory)

Surplus of Serotonin

Associated with hallucinations.

Deficit of Serotonin

Too little serotonin is associated with depression (mood disorders), some anxiety disorders, and obsessive compulsive disorder.

Dopamine “Reward”

“Pleasure Chemical of the Brain,” attention, emotion, related to reward and motivation (learning). (Inhibitory)

Surplus of Dopamine

Too much dopamine has been associated with schizophrenia.

Deficit of Dopamine

Some forms of depression, muscular rigidity and tremors found in Parkinson’s Disease, memory problems, ADHD, anxiety disorder.

Norepinephrine “Fight or Flight”

Increases alertness, arousal, associated with response to danger, attention & responding actions. (Excitatory)

Surplus of Norepinephrine

Too much has been associated with anxiety.

Deficit of Norepinephrine

Too little norepinephrine has been associated with depression & mental disorders.

GABA “Calming”

Slows things down, calms central nervous system “natural tranquilizer,” GABA also contributes to motor control and vision. (Inhibitory)

Surplus of GABA

Over-relaxation and sedation, normal reactions may be impaired.

Deficit of GABA

Too little GABA is associated with anxiety disorders, seizures, and insomnia.

Glutamate “Memory”

Major excitatory neurotransmitter, involved with most normal operations of the brain including thinking, long-term memory, and learning. (Excitatory)

Surplus of Glutamate

Too much glutamate can overstimulate the brain, mood swings, migraines (MSG = monosodium glutamate) or epileptic seizures.

Deficit of Glutamate

Lack of concentration, mental exhaustion.

Endorphins “Euphoria”

Relieve pain and stress, “Brain natural aspirin,” feelings of pleasure/euphoria. (Inhibitory)

Surplus of Endorphins

Too much leads body to not give adequate warning about pain. Artificial highs.

Deficit of Endorphins

Too little endorphins leads to body experiencing pain.

Substance P

Helps transmit pain and inflammation signals from different parts of the body to spinal cord and brain (where the brain is perceived). (Excitatory)

Surplus of Substance P

Increase in nausea, stress response, less control of emotional behavior.

Deficit of Substance P

Negative impact on learning and memory.