NeurotransmittersHormonesMedsAHS_compressed

Page 1: What Are Neurotransmitters?

• Definition & Function

  • Neurotransmitters are tiny chemicals acting as messengers in the brain.

  • They facilitate communication between neurons, essential for body functionality.

  • Metaphor: Brain as a post office, with neurons as workers exchanging messages (neurotransmitters).

• Mechanism

  • Neurons send messages by writing on neurotransmitters (like letters).

  • Example: Feeling happy = neurotransmitter sends a "happy" message to the body.

  • Example: Feeling sad/stressed = neurotransmitter sends a "sad" or "stressed" message.

• Importance

  • Neurotransmitters ensure proper bodily function and emotional synchronization.

  • Counseling can help manage these messages for mental well-being.

Page 2: The Autonomic Nervous System and Neurotransmitters

• Role of Neurotransmitters

  • Crucial for the functioning of the parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous systems.(ANS)

  • Regulate opposing body functions (balancing act).

Parasympathetic Nervous System

• Known as "rest and digest"; promotes relaxation.

• Key Neurotransmitter: Acetylcholine

  • Calming effects: slows heart rate, relaxes blood vessels, aids digestion.

Sympathetic Nervous System

• Known as "fight or flight"; readies body for action.

• Key Neurotransmitter: Norepinephrine

  • Stimulating effects: increases heart rate, dilates airways, redirects blood flow to muscles.

Page 3: Understanding Hormones

• Definition & Role

  • Hormones are specialized messengers regulating various bodily functions.

• Metaphor: Traffic signals managing flow within a body city.

• Functionality

  • Green light: hormones signal for increased metabolic activity or growth.

  • Red light: hormones signal to halt certain processes, impacting stress response and energy mobilization.

Page 4: Common Neurotransmitters & Hormones Related to Mental Health

Neurotransmitters

• Serotonin: Regulates mood, sleep, appetite; targeted in depression/anxiety treatment.

• Acetylcholine: Directs muscle movement, memory; relevant in cognitive discussions.

• Epinephrine (Adrenaline): Increases heart rate during stress, acts as an excitement booster.

• Norepinephrine: Linked to alertness, anxiety; affects mood disorders.

• Endorphins: Natural painkillers released during stress/exercise; promote happiness.

• Dopamine: Associated with pleasure and motivation; key in discussions about addiction.

• Glutamate: Major excitatory neurotransmitter involved in learning and memory; imbalances can pose challenges.

• GABA: Calming neurotransmitter regulating anxiety and relaxation; its efficiency relates to anxiety disorders.

Page 5: More Common Neurotransmitters & Hormones Related to Mental Health

Hormones

• Melatonin: Regulates sleep-wake cycle, pertinent in sleep disorders.

• Adenosine: Neuromodulator signaling relaxation and improved sleep.

• Oxytocin: Bonding hormone linked to trust and emotional connections; significant in relationship therapy.

• Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone (CRH): Key in stress responses, related to anxiety disorders.

• Neuropeptide Y (NPY): Eases stress and emotional resilience; involved in emotional processing and eating disorders.

• Vasopressin: Manages water balance and mood in social contexts; related to attachment.

• Neurotensin: Influences pain modulation, mood, and appetite control; relevant in discussions on chronic pain.

• Progesterone: A calming agent; impacts anxiety and mood regulation.

• Anandamide: Linked to contentment; relevant in discussions about mood disorders.

• Testosterone: Drives focus and motivation; imbalances may cause mood swings.

Page 6: Neurotransmitters vs Hormones

• Neurotransmitters

  • Small chemicals in the nervous system; convey short-distance messages; swift and short-lived (milliseconds to seconds).

  • Affect specific functions: muscle contraction, mood, thought processes.

• Hormones

  • Chemical messengers via bloodstream; longer travel distance; slower but lasting impact (seconds to days).

  • Regulate growth, metabolism, stress response, and reproduction.

• Analogy

  • Neurotransmitters: office memos (short-term).

  • Hormones: company-wide emails (longer lasting).

Page 7: How Neurotransmitters & Hormones Relate to Mental Health

Neurotransmitters & Mental Health

• Imbalances in neurotransmitters correlate with conditions like depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, and addiction.

• Medications targeting neurotransmitter imbalances, such as SSRIs, help regulate mood and emotional states.

• Acetylcholine and glutamate's significance in cognitive function emphasizes therapy relevance for neurological disorders.

Hormones & Mental Health

• Key Relationships

  • Chronic stress → cortisol excess → anxiety/depression risk.

  • Thyroid hormones = mood regulation; imbalances cause mood swings.

  • Sex hormones affect emotional well-being; fluctuations impact mental health.

• Overall, mental health conditions may disrupt hormonal balance.

Page 8: Can a Psychiatrist Prescribe Medication?

• Role of Psychiatrists

  • Medical doctors specialized in mental health, licensed to prescribe medications after thorough assessments.

• They develop treatment plans combining therapy and medication.

• Distinction from Other Professionals

  • Psychologists & counselors typically do not prescribe, focusing instead on psychotherapy.

  • Collaborative care common for comprehensive support.

Page 9: Medication & Therapy

Role of Medication

• Medication regulates neurotransmitter chemicals impacting mood and thoughts, helpful for mental health challenges like depression/anxiety.

• It alleviates symptoms, creating space for other therapeutic methods.

Combining Approaches

• Recommended to blend medication with psychotherapy and lifestyle changes for holistic support.

• Psychotherapy addresses thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, providing coping strategies and insights.

Page 10: SNRIs

• Definition: Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors enhancing serotonin and norepinephrine.

• Commonly Prescribed For

  • Major Depressive Disorder (MDD).

  • Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD).

  • Chronic pain management (e.g., neuropathic pain).

  • Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD).

Mechanism of Action

• SNRIs function as traffic controllers, prolonging serotonin and norepinephrine presence for enhanced signaling.

Effect Duration

• Early effects visible in days; full therapeutic effects appear after 4-6 weeks of use.

Page 11: Benzodiazepines

• Definition: Medications inducing calming effects via the central nervous system.

• Commonly Prescribed For

  • Anxiety Disorders (short-term management).

  • Insomnia aids (promotes relaxation).

Mechanism of Action

• They enhance GABA effects, reducing excessive nerve activity associated with anxiety.

Effect Duration

• Short-acting options work within 15-30 minutes; longer types take more time.

Page 12: The Basics of SSRIs

• Definition: Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors target serotonin reuptake regulation.

• Common Prescribed For

  • Major Depressive Disorder, GAD, OCD, Panic Disorder.

Mechanism of Action

• SSRIs prolong serotonin presence, improving mood and emotional well-being (reducing sadness/anxiety).

Effect Duration

• Effects may start in several days; full improvements usually take 4-6 weeks.

Page 13: Mood Stabilizers

• Definition: Medications stabilizing mood for bipolar disorder management.

• Commonly Prescribed For

  • Primarily for bipolar disorder; useful in managing both mania and depression episodes.

Effect Duration

• Takes a few weeks to months to see full effects; prescribed for long-term use with regular monitoring.