Neurotransmitters - AP Psych

Biological Bases of Behavior Unit

acetylcholine (ACh)

enables muscle action, learning, and memory

surplus of ACh

muscle spasms

deficit of ACh

Alzeimer’s and paralysis

dopamine

influences movement, learning, attention, and emotion

surplus of dopamine

Schizophrenia and addiction

deficit of dopamine

Parkinson’s, tremors, decreased mobility

serotonin

affects mood, hunger, sleep, arousal, and body temperature

deficit of serotonin

depression, sadness, fatigue

norepinephrine

helps control alertness and arousal

surplus of norepinephrine

high blood pressure, increased heart rate, mania

deficit of norepinephrine

anxiety, mood disorders (depression, bipolar)

GABA

major inhibitory neurotransmitter that regulates sleep-wake cycles and inhibits anxiety (calming)

deficit of GABA

seizures, tremors, insomnia

glutamate

major excitatory neurotransmitter involved in memory and linked to almost all normal brain function

surplus of glutamate

overstimulate brain causing migraines or seizures

endorphins

natural opiate-like neurotransmitters linked to pain control and pleasure

surplus of endorphins

artificial highs and inadequate response to pain

deficit of endorphins

addiction