Major Neurotransmitters and How They Affect Behavior

- Amine Neurotransmitters
- Amino Acid Neurotransmitters
- Peptide Neurotransmitters
- Gas Neurotransmitters

Neurotransmitter Families

AMPA receptors are found on the postsynaptic neuron and are activated when glutamate binds to the neuron. AMPA receptors are permeable to sodium ions.

AMPA Receptors

The biological perspective on psychopathology posits that psychological disorders are rooted in faulty biological processes. This viewpoint, which has gained prominence through scientific advances over recent decades, attributes mental illness to factors such as genetics, neurological abnormalities, and hormonal or biochemical imbalances. This perspective drives research into the genetic, neurological, and chemical underpinnings of various psychological conditions.

Biological Perspective of Psychological Disorders

Analyze the following scenario. Based on the primary functions of the chemical messengers that transmit signals between nerve cells, identify the single messenger most likely responsible for the patient's symptoms and explain your reasoning.

Analyzing Neurotransmitter Function in a Clinical Context

A significant portion of psychological knowledge regarding the specific functions of various neurotransmitters is derived from researching how different psychoactive drugs affect individuals with psychological disorders.

Research on Neurotransmitter Functions

There are different types of neurotransmitters with different functions in the human body. Some of the major neurotransmitters include:
- Serotonin (Mood & sleep)
- Glutamate (Memory & learning)
- Dopamine (Mood, sleep, & learning)
- Acetylcholine (Muscle action & memory)
- Beta-endorphin (Pain & pleasure)
- Gamma-aminobutyric acide (Brain function & sleep)
- Norepinephrine (Heart, intestines, & alertness)

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University of Chicago

The nervous system is comprised of two primary cell types: neurons and glial cells. Neurons act as the main information processors, and the communication between them is essential for all nervous system functions. Glial cells, or glia, primarily serve in supporting roles for the neurons.

Cells of the Nervous System

Spielman, R. M., Jenkins, W. J., & Lovett, M. D. (2020, April 22). Psychology (2nd ed.). OpenStax. https://openstax.org/books/psychology-2e/pages/1-introduction

OpenStax Psychology (2nd ed.) Textbook

It is important to understand how electrical signals move through a neuron and onto the next neuron in order to facilitate communication.

Neuronal Communication 

Major Neurotransmitters

Psychologists have gained much of their understanding regarding the functions of neurotransmitters by researching how various drugs affect individuals with psychological disorders.

Neurotransmitters and Drugs

Functioning as the central building blocks and core information processors of the nervous system, neurons are interconnected cells essential for all tasks the system performs. The human brain contains around 100 billion neurons at birth. Their role encompasses everything from simple reflexes to complex cognitive functions.

Neurons

Glial cells, or glia, are a primary cell type in the nervous system that provides crucial physical and metabolic support to neurons. Their functions include creating a structural scaffold for the nervous system, insulating neurons, helping neurons align to facilitate communication, transporting nutrients and waste, and mediating immune responses.

Glial Cells

Based on the fundamental roles of the two primary cell types in the nervous system, which type of cell is most likely malfunctioning in this patient's condition, and why?

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