Neurotransmitters, AP Psych

Acetylcholine (ACh)

Enables muscle action, learning, & memory; deteriorates with Alzheimer’s Disease

Dopamine

Influences movement, learning, attention, & emotion; oversupply linked to schizophrenia; undersupply linked to tremors & decreased mobility in Parkinson’s Disease

Serotonin

Affects mood, hunger, sleep, & arousal; undersupply linked to depression; some antidepressants increase these levels

Norepinephrine

Helps control alertness & arousal ; undersupply linked to a depressed mood

Epinephrine

adrenaline; acts as a hormone and neurotransmitter; triggers an increase in physical responses (i.e. increased heart rate)

GABA (gamma-amino butyric acid)

Major inhibitory neurotransmitter; undersupply linked to seizures, tremors, & insomnia

Glutamate

Major excitatory neurotransmitter involved in memory; oversupply can overstimulate brain, producing migraines or seizures

Endorphins

Natural, opiate-like neurotransmitters linked to pain control & pleasure

Adenosine

Neurochemical regulator of norepinephrine release; inhibitory neurotransmitter

Orexin

Neurotransmitters linked to alertness, arousal, and appetite; not enough of this ;neurotransmitter is associated with narcolepsy