Neurotransmitters and Hormones

Dopamine

involved with movement, learning, attention, and emotion.

too much = schizophrenia, too little = Parkinson’s (low mobility)

Serotonin

involved with mood, sleep, and arousal.

too little = depression

Norepinephrine

Controls alertness and arousal

Glutamate

Excitatory; involved with learning, memory, speed up neural processing

too much = brain overstimulation (migraines, seizures)

GABA

Inhibitory; slows down neural activity (reduce anxiety, helps sleep, prevent over-excitement)

too little = seizures, insomnia

Substance P

Modulation of pain

Endorphins

Perception of pain and pleasure

Acetylcholine

Involved with muscle action, learning, and memory

too little = Alzheimer’s

Adrenaline/Epinephrine

Involved with attention, focus, and panic

Leptin

Decreases hunger

Ghrelin

Body’s appetite

Melatonin

Involved with puberty and initiation of sleep

Oxytocin

Birthing hormone, social bonds