neurotransmitters
Synaptic signal molecules
Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that carry signals between nerve cells in the brain and throughout the body.
They cross the tiny gaps between neurons, triggering responses that regulate everything from mood and sleep to muscle movement and heart rate.
Common neurotransmitters include dopamine, serotonin, and adrenaline.
When people talk about chemical imbalances affecting mental health, they're typically referring to neurotransmitter levels.
Reward-linked neural messenger
- serotoninMood-regulating brain chemical
- acetylcholineNeurotransmitter for muscles and memory
- norepinephrineAlertness and stress hormone
- glutamateExcitatory neural transmitter
GABA · endorphins · histamine · adenosine · oxytocin · vasopressin · melatonin · epinephrine
Signal-receiving molecule
- vesiclesSmall enclosed sacs
- presynapticBefore the neural junction
- reuptakeNeurotransmitter recapture by neurons
- excitatoryPromoting neural activation
inhibitory · binding · release · diffusion · degradation · transporter · exocytosis · spillover
Prolonged low state
- anxietyPersistent apprehensive distress
- euphoriaIntense emotional high
- emotionComplex psychological state
- well-beingState of health, contentment
bipolar · mania · melancholy · happiness · irritability · stress · elation · affect
Medications treating clinical despair
- SSRIsSelective serotonin reuptake inhibitors
- agonistReceptor-binding trigger molecule
- antagonistOne who opposes another
- precursorSomething that comes first
neuromodulator · psychoactive · benzodiazepines · dose-response · half-life · blood-brain barrier · metabolism · side effects
Neuron's rapid electrical discharge
- nerve impulseElectrical signal through neurons
- firingTerminating employment
- conductionHeat transfer through contact
- depolarizationLoss of electrical gradient
threshold · propagation · modulation · integration · summation · feedback loop · amplification · attenuation
Neurodegenerative motor disorder
- Alzheimer'sDegenerative brain disease
- schizophreniaPsychotic disorder with delusions
- ADHDNeurodevelopmental focus impairment
- epilepsyBrain disorder causing seizures
Huntington's · imbalance · deficiency · dysregulation · neuropathology · neurodegeneration · tremor · cognitive decline
dopamine
Reward-linked neural messenger
- serotoninMood-regulating brain chemical
- acetylcholineNeurotransmitter for muscles and memory
- norepinephrineAlertness and stress hormone
glutamate · GABA · endorphins · histamine · adenosine · oxytocin · vasopressin · melatonin · epinephrine · glycine
receptor
Signal-receiving molecule
- vesiclesSmall enclosed sacs
- presynapticBefore the neural junction
- reuptakeNeurotransmitter recapture by neurons
excitatory · inhibitory · binding · release · diffusion · degradation · transporter · exocytosis · spillover
depression
Prolonged low state
- anxietyPersistent apprehensive distress
- euphoriaIntense emotional high
- emotionComplex psychological state
well-being · bipolar · mania · melancholy · happiness · irritability · stress · elation · affect · temperament
antidepressants
Medications treating clinical despair
- SSRIsSelective serotonin reuptake inhibitors
- agonistReceptor-binding trigger molecule
- antagonistOne who opposes another
precursor · neuromodulator · psychoactive · benzodiazepines · dose-response · half-life · blood-brain barrier · metabolism · side effects · therapeutic
action potential
Neuron's rapid electrical discharge
- nerve impulseElectrical signal through neurons
- firingTerminating employment
- conductionHeat transfer through contact
depolarization · threshold · propagation · modulation · integration · summation · feedback loop · amplification · attenuation · cross-talk
Parkinson's
Neurodegenerative motor disorder
- Alzheimer'sDegenerative brain disease
- schizophreniaPsychotic disorder with delusions
- ADHDNeurodevelopmental focus impairment
epilepsy · Huntington's · imbalance · deficiency · dysregulation · neuropathology · neurodegeneration · tremor · cognitive decline · psychosis
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