1 / 11

Understanding Neurotransmitters: Functions, Types, and Mental Health Implications

This comprehensive overview of neurotransmitters explores their critical roles in the nervous system. Key neurotransmitters such as serotonin, acetylcholine, dopamine, and norepinephrine are discussed alongside their functions, including mood regulation, muscle contraction, and alertness. The document also highlights the implications of neurotransmitter imbalances, linking conditions like schizophrenia, clinical depression, and bipolar disorder to their dysregulation. Understanding how these chemicals affect emotions and behavior is essential for grasping their impact on mental health and overall functioning.

duke
Télécharger la présentation

Understanding Neurotransmitters: Functions, Types, and Mental Health Implications

An Image/Link below is provided (as is) to download presentation Download Policy: Content on the Website is provided to you AS IS for your information and personal use and may not be sold / licensed / shared on other websites without getting consent from its author. Content is provided to you AS IS for your information and personal use only. Download presentation by click this link. While downloading, if for some reason you are not able to download a presentation, the publisher may have deleted the file from their server. During download, if you can't get a presentation, the file might be deleted by the publisher.

E N D

Presentation Transcript

  1. Unit 2 Notes:Neurotransmitters

  2. (1) Basic Function • Released from Axon Terminals • Travel across synapse • Bind to: • Other Neuron • Effector Organ • Stimulates: • Another Nerve Impulse • Organ Movement/Functioning

  3. (2) Serotonin • Digestive stimulation • Positive, Dominant Emotions: • Happiness • Confidence • Social Comfort • Stimulates growth and development

  4. (3) Acetylcholine (Ach) • Stimulates muscle contraction • Stimulates REM sleep • Stimulates sensory neurons

  5. (4) Norepinephrine & Epinephrine • Increases alertness • Increases heart rate, blood pressure • Increases respiratory rate • Related to memory formation

  6. (5) Dopamine • Inhibititory • Feelings of happiness, pleasure and content • Increased social behavior • Muscle movement control

  7. (6) Glutamate & GABA • GABA = Gamma Aminobutyric Acid • Inhibits excitatory neurotransmitters • Decreases anxiety and paranoia • Maintains proper firing of nerve impulses(Lacking?  Epilepsy) • Glutamate: • Type of GABA • Linked to memory • Abundance  Kills brain cells  Brain Disease

  8. (7) Endorphins & Enkephalins • Structurally similar to opiates • Inhibitory • Can block the transmission of: • Pain • Excessive pleasure/excitement • Stimulates relaxation: • Slows heart + respiration rate • Slows metabolism • Excess  Organ Shut Down

  9. (8) Schizophrenia • Cause: • Uncoordinated release of dopamine and glutamate • Symptoms: • Delusional, hallucination • Disorganized speech • Sudden onset of depression / sluggishness

  10. (9) Clinical Depression • Cause: • Absence / low concentration of serotonin, norepinephrine, and/or dopamine. • Symptoms: • Extreme fatigue OR Insomnia • Lack of emotion/mood • Feelings of worthlessness/hopelessness • Loss of interest in anything

  11. (10) Clinical Bipolar Disorder • Cause: • Extreme imbalance, and inconsistent production of neurotransmitters… • Serotonin, norepinephrine, dopamine • Symptoms: • Manic Periods  • Hyper, anxious, volatile emotions • Extreme focus / creativity / proactive behavior • Depressive Periods  • Same symptoms as clinical depression.

More Related