AP Psych neurotransmitter and hormones for final

Dopamine

A neurotransmitter involved in motivation and pleasure.

Oversupply of dopamine

Linked to schizophrenia

Undersupply of dopamine

Linked to parkinson’s disease, depression, and low motivation.

norepinephrine

A neurotransmitter involved in fight or flight and enhancing focus and alertness

oversupply of norepinephrine

Causes stress disorders and like symptoms

undersupply of norepinephrine

Results in poor concentration and depression

Substance P

A neurotransmitter involved in transmitting pain signals to the brain

Oversupply of substance P

Linked to an increase in perception to pain and chronic pain conditions

undersupply of substance P

Results in reduced pain perception

GABA

A neurotransmitter used to promote calmness and relaxation

Oversupply of GABA

Causes excessive relaxation, leading to drowsiness, and sluggishness

undersupply of GABA

Linked to insomnia and epilepsy

Leptin

A hormone used to reduce appetite when enough fat has been stored

Oversupply of leptin

Leads to overeating and potential obesity

Undersupply of leptin

Increases hunger, difficulty regulating body weight, potentially leading to obesity

Melatonin

A hormone used to regulate the sleep cycle by promoting sleepiness when in dark environments

Oversupply of melatonin

leads to excessive drowsiness and concentration problems

undersupply of melatonin

leads to insomnia and difficulty falling asleep

Adrenaline

A hormone released in response to stress or excitement, preparing the body for fight or flight

oversupply of adrenaline

Leads to increased heart rate, high blood pressure, anxiety, and difficulty sleeping

undersupply of adrenaline

Results in low energy levels, fatigue, and weakened immune system

Acetylcholine

A neurotransmitter involved in muscle activation

oversupply of acetylcholine

Can cause muscle cramps and muscle weakness, sometimes causes paralysis

undersupply of acetylcholine

Linked to memory issues, learning disabilities, and conditions like alzheimers

Ghrelin

A hormone commonly referred to as the “hunger hormone”

oversupply of ghrelin

Leads to increased hunger, overeating, and potential weight gain

undersupply of ghrelin

Reduces appetite leading to unintentional weight loss or difficulty maintaining weight

oxytocin

A hormone commonly referred to as the “love hormone.” Used to create feelings of empathy and trust

oversupply of oxytocin

Can cause over attachment in relationships and oversensitivity to social cues

undersupply of oxytocin

Linked to difficulties in forming social bonds, lower trust and feelings of loneliness

Glutamate

A neurotransmitter used for learning and memory

oversupply of glutamate

Can lead to excitotoxicity which is linked to conditions like epileptic seizures

undersupply of glutamate

Impairs cognitive functioning like memory and functioning

Serotonin

A neurotransmitter used for regulating mood and feelings of well-being and happiness

oversupply of serotonin

Can cause mania and serotonin syndrome which leads to confusion, agitation, high blood pressure, and muscle rigidity

undersupply of serotonin

Associated with mood disorders such as depression and anxiety, along with sleep disturbances

Endorphins

Neurotransmitters that act as natural painkillers, providing a sense of well-being

oversupply of endorphins

Can suppress pain perception leading to lack of illness awareness and potentially addictive behavior

undersupply of endorphins

increases sensitivity to pain and potentially leading to feelings of sadness, depression, or difficulty managing stress

The Big Five Traits

Openness, conscientious, extraversion, agreeableness, and neuroticism

Openness synonym

Imaginative

Conscientious synonym

organized

Extraversion synonym

outgoing

Agreeableness synonym

Cooperative

neuroticism synonym

anxious, moody

GAS process

alarm, resistance, exhaustion