Psychiatric Neurotransmitter Guide
For this assignment you will construct a way for you to remember the psychiatric neurotransmitters that are involved in the pathophysiology of many psychiatric disorders and the psychopharmacology. The assignment will need to include all 5 of the most important neurotransmitters we focus on: serotonin, norepinephrine, GABA, acetylcholine, and dopamine.
Create a tool that helps you remember the five key psychiatric neurotransmitters involved in the pathophysiology of mental disorders and their related psychopharmacology. Include all five neurotransmitters we focus on: serotonin, norepinephrine, GABA, acetylcholine, and dopamine.
For each neurotransmitter, identify its associated psychological properties, list the most common psychiatric disorders linked to its imbalance, and name the drug classes that target it in treatment.
Get creative with your approach—design a mind map, build a chart, or invent a visual mnemonic that helps you memorize how these neurotransmitters function and how we address their effects through pharmacological interventions in mental health care.
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Psychiatric Neurotransmitter Guide
Serotonin: Mood and Stability
Serotonin is essential for mood regulation, appetite, and sleep. Low levels are commonly linked to depression, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) are the primary drug class used to increase serotonin availability. Other medications like SNRIs also affect serotonin. Remember serotonin as the “stabilizer” that promotes emotional calm and mental clarity when balanced.
Norepinephrine: Energy and Alertness
Norepinephrine influences alertness, focus, and energy. Imbalances may lead to conditions such as depression, ADHD, and anxiety. SNRIs and some tricyclic antidepressants increase norepinephrine levels. It is also impacted by stimulants used in ADHD treatment. Think of norepinephrine as the “activator” that helps maintain motivation and mental energy.
Dopamine: Reward and Motivation
Antipsychotics (dopamine antagonists) and psychostimulants (dopamine enhancers) target this neurotransmitter. Use the word “drive” to remember dopamine—it fuels desire, pleasure, and purpose.
GABA and Acetylcholine: Balance and Memory
GABA is the brain’s primary inhibitory neurotransmitter. Specifically, it calms brain activity and reduces anxiety. As a result, benzodiazepines and some anticonvulsants work by enhancing GABA’s effects. In contrast, acetylcholine supports memory and learning. When levels of acetylcholine decrease, conditions like Alzheimer’s disease often develop. To counteract this, healthcare providers use cholinesterase inhibitors to increase acetylcholine levels. Therefore, you can link GABA to “grounding” and acetylcholine to “awareness” to help remember their distinct psychological roles.
