Virtual Notebook

Neurotransmitters

ACETYLCHOLINE (ACH)
•Type: excitatory
•Function: muscle function, learning and memory, attention
•Surplus: muscle spasms
•Deficient: Alzheimer's

DOPAMINE
•Type: inhibitory
•Function: mood and emotion, arousal
•Surplus: schizophrenia, drug addiction
•Deficient: Parkinson's

SEROTONIN
•Type: inhibitory
•Function: mood regulation, hunger and sleep
•Surplus: hallucinations
•Deficient: depression and mood disorders

NOREPINEPHRINE
•Type: excitatory
•Function: fight or flight, mood elevation
•Surplus: anxiety
•Deficient: depression

GABA
•Type: inhibitory
•Function: brains main inhibitory, regulates sleep/wake cycles
•Surplus: sleep and eating disorders
•Deficient: anxiety, epilepsy, insomnia, Huntington's disease

GLUTAMATE
•Type: excitatory
•Function: brains main excitatory, basis of learning and long term memory
•Surplus: overstimulation of brain which causes seizures and migraines

ENDORPHINS
•Type: inhibitory
•Function: pain control, stress reduction, positive emotions
•Surplus: artificial highs, inadequate response to pain
•Deficit: addiction