AP Psychology - Neurotransmitters

Acetylcholine (ACh)

• Present in the CNS and PNS

• Enables muscle action, learning, and memory

  • All activity requires this

• Deterioration is associated with Alzheimer’s disease

Glutamate

• Main excitatory neurotransmitter

• Involved in memory

  • Enhances learning and memory by strengthening synaptic connections

• Overexpression leads to seizures and migraines due overstimulation of the brain

GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid)

• Main inhibitory neurotransmitter

• Associated with various anxiety-related disorders

• Undersupply links to seizures, tremors, and insomnia

Dopamine

• Relates to the anticipation of pleasurable or rewarding activities

• Influences movement, learning, attention, and emotion

• Oversupply leads to schizophrenia

• Undersupply leads to tremors and decreased mobility in Parkinson’s disease

Serotonin

• Affects mood, hunger, sleep, and arousal

• Low levels lead to depression

• Some drugs that raise the levels are used to treat depression

Endorphins

• Neurotransmitters that influence the perception of pain or pleasure

  • Natural painkiller and reward

• Oversupply of opioid drugs will suppress the body’s natural supply

Epinephrine (Adrenaline)

• Both a neurotransmitter and a hormone

• Boosts energy

• Involved in the “fight or flight” response

Norepinephrine (Noradrenaline)

• Helps control alertness, arousal, and vigilance

• Heavily involved in sleep cycle

• Undersupply can cause depressive moods

Substance P

• Involved in pain perception

• Oversupply can lead to chronic pain