Neurotransmission

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Neurotransmission Neurotransmission is defined as the process through which nerve impulses move from one neuron to another neuron, muscle fiber, or body part. Neurotransmission is facilitated by chemical compounds called neurotransmitters that carry impulses across a synapse.

Neurotransmission occurs through four major steps. The first step is neurotransmitter synthesis in the presynaptic terminals (Werner & Covenas, 2016). Neurotransmitters are stored in the synaptic vesicles. The third neurotransmission step is the release of the neurotransmitters once a nerve impulse arrives at the presynaptic terminal. Neurotransmitters are released into the synaptic gap to facilitate the transmission of a nerve impulse from the presynaptic terminal to the postsynaptic terminal (Bansal & Deb, 2020). The neurotransmitter then attaches to specific receptors located on the postsynaptic terminal, thus stimulating the regeneration of an action potential.

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Understanding neurotransmission is beneficial to counselors since it helps them advise their clients on the short- and long-term effects of drug use. The modes of action of various drugs mimic natural neurotransmitters and might produce euphoria of drug high that eventually leads to addiction (Bansal & Deb, 2020). Counselors also use their understanding of neurotransmission to educate their clients on prescribed medications and their impact on drugs addiction and withdrawal symptoms.

Dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine are the main natural neurotransmitters. These chemical compounds are involved in various psychological activities (The University of Queensland, 2022). For instance, dopamine is involved in motivation, alertness, clarity, happiness, and working memory. Norepinephrine improves concentration, mood, attention and memory. Serotonin, on the other hand, improves memory, pleasure and relaxation (Bansal & Deb, 2020). The entry of psychoactive compounds in the brain triggers the release of neurotransmitters from their synaptic vesicles. Increased neurotransmitter concentration elevates neurotransmitter activity due to the continued activation of neurons.

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References Bansal, P. K., & Deb, P. K. (2020). Frontiers in the pharmacology of neurotransmitters.

Springer The University of Queensland (2022). What are neurotransmitters? https://qbi.uq.edu.au/brain/brain-physiology/what-are-neurotransmitters Werner, F.M., & Covenas, R. (2016). Classical neurotransmitters and neuropeptides in schizoaffective disorder. Bentham Science Publishers.