AP Psych Neurotransmitters and Hormones

function of Acetylcholine (ACh)

enables movement, involved in learning and memory

malfunctions of Acetylcholine (ACh)

undersupply linked with Myasthenia Gravis and Alzheimer’s disease

function of Dopamine

helps brain coordinate and initiate physical movement, released in response to pleasurable experiences, influences motivation and goal-directed behavior

malfunctions of Dopamine

undersupply linked with Parkinson’s disease, oversupply linked with Schizophrenia

function of Serotonin

involved in mood regulation, sleep and arousal regulation, and regulation of appetite and digestion

malfunctions of Serotonin

undersupply linked with depression, anxiety, and sleep difficulties

function of norepinephrine

involved in promoting wakefulness, alertness, and arousal; released in response to stress and helps initiate fight or flight response

malfunctions of norepinephrine

undersupply linked with depression

function of GABA

major inhibitory neurotransmitter, makes it less likely for a neuron to fire, reduces brain activity

malfunctions of GABA

undersupply linked with insomnia, seizures, and tremors

function of glutamate

major excitatory neurotransmitter, makes it more likely for a neuron to fire, increases brain activity, involved in learning and memory

malfunctions of glutamate

oversupply linked with migraines and seizures

function of endorphins

regulates perception of pain, enhances mood, brain’s “natural opiate”

malfunctions of endorphins

can lead to withdrawal if oversupply is due to use of opiates

function of substance p

involved in perception of pain, helps transmit pain signals from body’s skin and muscle to CNS, plays role in promoting inflammation in response to injury

malfunctions of substance p

oversupply can lead to chronic pain

function of adrenaline

released by adrenal glands during sympathetic nervous system arousal (fight or flight); plays role in panic, excitement, and focus

malfunctions of adrenaline

undersupply linked with Addison’s Disease fatigue, weight loss, loss of appetite, low blood pressure

function of leptin

decreases appetite

function of ghrelin

increases appetite

function of melatonin

aids in sleep, released in low levels of light

function of oxytocin

love/bonding hormone, aids in social interactions, “the hug hormone”