AP Psychology Nuerotransmitters, and the Endocrine System

Acetylcholine (ACh)

Enables muscle action, learning, and memory. (Alzheimers)

Dopamine

Influences movement, learning, attention, and emotion. The happy drug. (Oversupply linked to schizophrenia, Undersupply linked to Parkinsins)

Serotonin

Affects mood, hunger, sleep, and arousal. (Undersupply linked to depression)

Norepinephrine

Helps control alertness and arousal. (Undersupply can depress mood)

GABA

A major inhibitory nuerotransmitter. (Undersupply linked to seizures, tremors, and insomnia)

Glutamate

A major excitatory neurotransmitter; involved in memory. (Oversupply can overstimulate the brain, producing migraines & seizures)

Endorphins

Neurotransmitters that influence the perception of pain or pleasure. (Oversupply with opioid drugs can suppress the body’s natural endorphin supply)

Subsatnce P

Involved in pain perception and immune response. (Oversupply can lead to chronic pain)

Adrenaline

Increases heart rate, blood pressure, and energy during stress

Ghrelin

Signals hunger; increases appetite

Leptin

Signals satiety (fullness); decreases appetite

Melatonin

Regulates sleep-wake cycles

Oxytocin

Promotes bonding, trust, social connection, and contractions during child birth.