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• What is the role of neurotransmitters in the brain?

  They transmit signals and affect behavior
• Which neurotransmitter is linked to happiness?

  Serotonin
• What happens when serotonin levels are low?

  It can cause depression
• What does dopamine affect?

  Motivation and pleasure
• What is the function of norepinephrine?

  It helps with alertness
• How does GABA affect the brain?

  It calms the brain and reduces anxiety
• Why is the balance of neurotransmitters important?

  It plays a big role in feelings and behavior
• How do drugs affect neurotransmitters?

  They change their levels or activity in the brain
• What do antidepressants do to serotonin levels?

  They boost serotonin to improve mood
• What effect do stimulants like cocaine have on dopamine?

  They increase dopamine for more energy
• How does alcohol affect GABA?

  It enhances GABA, calming the brain
• What are the effects of neurotransmitters on mood and behavior?

  • Serotonin: linked to happiness; low levels cause depression
  • Dopamine: affects motivation and pleasure
  • Norepinephrine: helps with alertness
  • GABA: calms the brain and reduces anxiety
• How do different drugs interact with neurotransmitters?

  • Antidepressants: boost serotonin to improve mood
  • Stimulants (e.g., cocaine): increase dopamine for energy
  • Alcohol: enhances GABA, calming the brain
• What neurotransmitter is thought to be low in anxiety?

  GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid)
• What are the common antianxiety drugs and their functions?

  • Benzodiazepines (BZs): Enhance GABA activity, slow CNS.
  • Beta-blockers (BBs): Reduce adrenaline activity, lower stress response.
• How do benzodiazepines (BZs) affect GABA activity?

  They increase GABA activity to calm the brain.
• What happens when GABA binds to its receptors?

  Chloride ions flow into neurons, calming them.
• What effect do increased chloride ions have on neurons?

  They make it harder for the neuron to be excited.
• What is the primary function of beta-blockers (BBs)?

  They block adrenaline and noradrenaline receptors.
• What physiological effects result from beta-blockers blocking receptors?

  Slower heart rate and reduced blood pressure.
• What is the role of GABA in the nervous system?

  It calms the brain by reducing neuron activity.
• How do benzodiazepines (BZs) affect neuron excitability?

  They make neurons less excitable, calming the system.
• What is the effect of GABA binding to its receptors?

  It opens channels for chloride ions to enter.
• What happens to the sympathetic nervous system when beta-blockers are used?

  It reduces the sympathetic nervous system's response.
• What are the key components involved in the action of GABA and its receptors?

  • GABA: Neurotransmitter that calms the brain.
  • GABA Receptors: Open channels for chloride ions.
  • Chloride Ions: Flow into neurons, reducing excitability.
• What are the effects of benzodiazepines and beta-blockers on anxiety?

  • Benzodiazepines: Enhance GABA, calm nervous system.
  • Beta-blockers: Block adrenaline, reduce heart rate and blood pressure.
• What is a primary cause of depression?

  Insufficient neurotransmitters in synapses
• How do neurotransmitters act in the synapse?

  Released, reabsorbed, and broken down by enzymes
• What is the goal of antidepressants regarding serotonin?

  Increase serotonin in the synapse
• What are the common types of antidepressants?

  • SSRIs: Block serotonin reuptake transporters
  • Other Antidepressants: Block the enzyme that breaks down serotonin
• What effect do antidepressants have on serotonin levels?

  More serotonin available to stimulate neurons
• What is serotonin also known as?

  5-HT
• Where is the reuptake transporter located?

  In the presynaptic neuron
• How do SSRIs affect serotonin levels?

  They block the reuptake transporter
• What is the role of the enzyme MAO in serotonin regulation?

  It breaks down serotonin in the synapse
• How do some antidepressants increase serotonin levels?

  By blocking the enzyme that breaks it down
• How do antidepressants improve mood and alleviate depression?

  • Increase serotonin levels
  • Stimulate neighbouring neurons
  • Improve communication between neurons
• What is the function of the reuptake transporter?

  Reabsorbs serotonin back into the neuron
• What does MAO stand for?

  Monoamine oxidase
• What is the synapse?

  The gap between two neurons