Neurotransmitters and Behavior

Identify two to three primary neurotransmitters and discuss their role in behavior.

According to McGraw-Hill (2011), neurotransmitters are the chemicals that carry messages across the synapse to the dendrite, and sometimes the cell body, of a receiving neuron. Neurotransmitters are an important link between the nervous system and behavior (McGraw-Hill, 2011). One of the major neurotransmitters is Acetylcholine. This neurotransmitter is involved in our muscle movement and cognitive functioning. Since acetylcholine is associated with memory, diminished levels of this neurotransmitter may be related to Alzheimer’s disease. Another major neurotransmitter is dopamine. Dopamine is involved in movement control, pleasure and reward, attention and learning. A deficiency in dopamine has been linked to Parkinson’s disease. People with Parkinson’s disease have muscle tremors and impaired coordination (movement control). Some researchers have suggested that overproduction of dopamine is related to schizophrenia. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) may be caused by inadequate dopamine in the central nervous system (Sue, Sue, & Sue, 2010). Researchers are also studying the effects of dopamine in eating disorders. Some research says that low dopamine is related to the desire to eat more and high dopamine is related to a decrease in appetite. A third major neurotransmitter is serotonin. Serotonin is involved in sleeping, eating, mood, pain and depression. Research also concludes that serotonin may be involved in alcoholism and aggression. Serotonin can be linked to mood disorders, eating disorders, and anxiety disorders.

McGraw-Hill. (2011). Psychsmart. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill.

Sue, D., Sue, D. W., & Sue, S. (2010). Understanding Abnormal Behavior (9th ed.). Boston, MA: Wadsworth.

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