ap psych//neurotransmitters

unit 1.3

acetylcholine (ACH)

an exhibitory/inhibitory neurotransmitter that promotes wakefulness, attention, learning, and memory in the CNS. it is also the primary neurotransmitter in the PNS that activates muscles

acetylcholine (ACH) surplus and deficit

surplus: muscle cramps, excessive salivation, diarrhea, slowed heart rate, etc.

deficit: cognitive impairments, memory loss, alzheimers, parkingsons, and difficulties in learning

dopamine

an exhibitory and inhibitory neurotransmitter that is important for movement control, motivation, reward, and mood regulation

dopamine surplus and deficit

surplus: can cause psychotic symptoms, hallucinations, and schizophrenia-like disorders

deficit: results in motor deficits (tremors), seen in Parkinsons disease, and show emotional symptoms like depression, low motivation, and lack of pleasure

serotonin (5-HT)

an exhibitory and inhibitory neurotransmitter that is important for mood stabilization, appetite control, sleep regulation, emotional wellbeing, social behavior, and cognitive functions like memory and learning

serotonin (5-HT) surplus and deficit

surplus: symptoms like restlessness, agitation, confusion, increased body temp, muscle rigidity, etc.

deficit: symptoms like depression, mood disorders, anxiety, sleep disturbances, aggression, etc.

norepinephrine (NE)

is mainly a excitatory neurotransmitter that is also a hormone in the fight or flight response. also increases alertness, vigilance, attention, and regulates heart rate and blood pressure

norepinephrine (NE) surplus and deficit

surplus: causes anxiety, panic attacks, high blood pressure, often seen in tumors like pheochromocytoma

deficit: linked to depression, fatigue, and attention deficits like ADHD

glutamate

is a primary excitatory neurotransmitter that is central to learning, memory, and overall brain communication. mediates synaptic plasticity, enabling synapses to strengthen or weaken overtime, which is critical for memory formation

glutamate surplus and deficit

surplus: causes excitotoxity (leads to the death of neurons), is linked to seizures, Alzheimers, etc.

deficit: can impair cognition and has links to disorders like schizophrenia.

gamma-aminobutyric (GABA)

a main inhibitory neurotransmitter that regulates muscle tone and prevents overstimulation

GABA surplus and deficit

surplus: sedation, drowsiness, impaired cognition

deficit: anxiety, seizures, and insomnia

endorphins

an inhibitory neurotransmitter that reduces pain and induces euphoria. this neurotransmitter can act as powerfull painkillers and create a sense of well-being and modulate stress responses

endorphins surplus and deficit

surplus: can cause reduced pain sensitivity and overconfidence

deficit: increased pain sensitivity, depression, and chronic pain conditions

substance p

an excitatory neuropeptide that is involved in pain transmission and inflammation by activating immune cells, and influences mood and stress

substance p surplus and deficit

surplus: chronic pain, heightened inflammation, anxiety, and depression

deficit: reduced pain sensation and impaired inflammatory response