Neurotransmitters: Dopamine and Serotonin

Dopamine

• Functions: Controls voluntary movement; affects sleep, mood, attention, learning, and reward recognition.
• Personality: Related to extraversion.
• Drug Interactions: Stimulant drugs (cocaine, amphetamines) activate dopamine receptors, leading to excitement, alertness, and elevated mood.
• Associated Conditions:
  • Low levels: Parkinson's disease.
  • Problems regulating: Schizophrenia.

Serotonin

• Functions: Regulates sleep, mood, attention, and learning.
• Neuroplasticity: Key to maintaining the brain's ability to change with experience.
• Associated Conditions:
  • Lowered levels: Depression.
• Drug Interactions: Antidepressant drug Prozac works by slowing serotonin reuptake, increasing brain levels.