Neurotransmitters and Psychological Disorders

Neurotransmitters Neurotransmitters are chemical substances that relay signals between nerve cells across synapses. Neurotransmitters are secreted by presynaptic nerve fibers into synaptic cleft and adhere to specific receptors in the postsynaptic nerve fibers (Hollandsworth, 1990).

Neurotransmitters are also found at axonal ends of motor neurons. They are involved in body communication and control various body functions such as mood, sleep, concentration, and others. Neurotransmitters can be either inhibitory or excitatory in nature. Examples of neurotransmitters include serotonin, dopamine, GABA, acetylcholine, epinephrine, and norepinephrine. Neurons are special nerve cells involved in processing and transmission of information to other cells in the body. They are the basic information processors in the central nervous system (Perry, Ashton & Young, 2002).

Serotonin This is amonoamine neurotransmitter found in the gastrointestinal tract and the central nervous system. In the gut, serotonin is synthesized by the enterochromaffin cells, while in the central nervous system serotonergic nerve cells synthesize it. This neurotransmitter has physiological roles in regulating sleep, mood, and appetite, impulsive and aggressive behavior.

Buy this excellently written paper or order a fresh one from acemyhomework.com

NEUROTRANSMITTERS

2

When it is secreted in too little levels, depression and anxiety disorders result. Low serotonin amounts predispose individuals to mood disorders such as depressive disorders and obsessive-compulsive disorder. The affected individual feels obsessed with certain issues and therefore is compelled to do what they think as related to the behaviors such as rigorous washing (Halbach & Dermietel, 2006).

Acetylcholine This is a chemical neuromodulator and neurotransmitter in the central nervous system. It regulates attention and arousal. It is secreted from the ends of nerve fibers in the somatic and parasympathetic nervous system. Disorders of acetylcholine include Alzheimer’s disease whereby cells that secret acetylcholine are destroyed in individuals affected by this disease.

Destruction of these cells causes acetylcholine deficiency affecting memory and learning (Naime, 2010).

NEUROTRANSMITTERS

3

References Halbach, B. O. & Dermietel, R., (2006). Neurotransmitters and neuromodulators: Handbook of receptors and biological effects, 2nd edition. Weinheim: Wiley-VCH. Hollandsworth, G. J., (1990). The physiology of psychological disorders: Schizophrenia, depression, anxiety, and substances abuse. New York, NY: Springer.

Nairne, S. J., (2010). Psychology, 5th edition. Belmont, CT: Cengage Learning.

Perry, K. E., Ashton, H. & Young, A. H., (2002). Neurochemistry of consciousness: neurotransmitters in mind. Philadelphia, PA: John Benjamins Publishing Company.