Neurotransmitters playing a roll in the mental health of an individual is a relatively new science. There are currently multiple studies underway to try and link physical issues with mental ones to try and understand how to better treat patients. The way that neurons interact with one another by way of neurotransmitters has been key in developing a methodology to try regain normalcy through various types of medication.

When Neurotransmitters flow is disrupted messages can become disrupted or lost. This can have multiple consequences depending on which neurotransmitter is being affected. The most research has been done on the neurotransmitters dopamine, GABA, serotonin, noradrenaline, and acetylocholine in regards to mental illnesses. For example, serotonin and norepinephrine disruption has been linked to depression. These two neurotransmitters regulate mood, appetite, and concentration when serotonin and norepinphrine return to their original locations depression can occur. The medications that affect this prevent the neurotransmitters from returning to their original location which increases the odds that they will transmit signals the way they were intended to.

 My cousin was diagnosed as a paranoid schizophrenia when he turned 30. It was peculiar because he had been what my family would consider normal up until a few months before his diagnoses. He was plagued by constant auditory hallucinations that would instruct him to perform actions. Dopamine imbalance is considered to be the driving factor behind schizophrenia. After trail and error with medication his auditory hallucinations ceased and he returned to somewhat normal. He complained about feeling sluggish in his thought process after taking the medication but outside of that he did not complain about any side effects.

In this assignment, we need to discuss and give an example of how neurotransmitters play a role in one’s psychological health.  Being that this involves the nervous system and brain, it can be a very complicated subject.  The brain and the nervous system together is what are known as the central nervous system which controls thoughts, feelings and emotions.

Within our brains, we have trillions of connections among synapses which are junctions between neurons where neurotransmitters flow.  These neurotransmitters that flow are different chemicals that are transmitted from neuron to neuron causing different functions within the neuron.  There are five major classes of neurotransmitters within our brain which are amino acids, monoamines, soluble gases, acetylcholine and neuropeptides.  These five classes of neurotransmitters have significant influence over the many functions of our mind and body we experience every day.  From norepinephrine, which can cause increased heart rates and control blood pressure to serotonin, which is involved in regulating mood, sleep and dreaming to name a few.

In the case of the neurotransmitter serotonin, many doctors prescribe selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors to alleviate depression, also known as SSRI’s.  In the case of SSRI’s, they work by increasing the amount of serotonin within the brain by reducing the amount of reuptake.  This changing of the balance in serotonin is believed to boost mood by helping cells send and receive signals.  In my own experience, SSRI’s have had an amazing impact on my family.  Through the years, my mother has shown signs of depression due to many different issues within her life.  Ultimately, she was prescribed an SSRI by her doctor, and within a few weeks there was a notable improvement in her condition.  Based on my own experiences, I do believe there’s a lot of opportunity to further learn about the effects neurotransmitters can play in improving our lives when needed.  However, as with any drug, we need to ensure the proper research is conducted. 

References

Editorial Board. (2011). Introduction to psychology (1^st ed.). Schaumberg, Ill: Words of Wisdom, LLC

Part II are responses I have to make