Question

How can learning about the role of neurotransmitters in psychological disorders lead to development of effective treatment?

Answer 1

Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that carry signals between one neuron to another or to other cells. Neurotransmitters play an important role in everyday physiological activities such as sleep, mood, hunger, heart rate. Due to certain disease or other conditions, the neurotransmitters get affected which lead to other diseases such as Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s.

Certain neurotransmitters play a role in mental health conditions. Thus an understanding of how neurotransmitters work is beneficial as then the medical practitioner can decide upon the medication which will influence certain actions of the chemical messengers in the body. The neurotransmitters which are identified to play a role in mental health conditions include dopamine, serotonin, acetylcholine, GABA, norepinephrine.

Dopamine is associated frequently with Schizophrenia. This can be treated with medications. ADHD is also associated with the disruptions of the neurotransmitter dopamine. Neurotransmitters such as serotonin and norepinephrine plays a role in regulating the mood, emotions, hunger and disruption with these hormones can lead to depression, anxiety disorders. Thus understanding the functioning and role of neurotransmitters is beneficial in treatment as many disorders result from disruption of the chemical messengers in the body. Through medication, the drug will regulate normal functioning of these neurotransmitters.

The drugs are divided into two categories called agonists and antagonists. Agonists work by increasing the effectiveness of the neurotransmitter, whereas, antagonists work to block the neurotransmission effects. These drugs can have a direct or indirect effect. Drugs that have a direct effect act such like the actual neurotransmitter and its function because the chemical composition and structure is similar. Drugs that have an indirect effect work by acting on the components of the neurotransmitter such as the synapses. Antidepressants and benzodiazepines that are used to treat mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety have a direct impact.