Too much acetylcholine is linked with increased salivation, muscle weakening, blurred vision, and paralysis. Symptoms associated with mental health conditions such as mood and anxiety disorders and schizophrenia are believed to be the result in part from an imbalance of neurotransmitter levels in the brain. With anxiety disorders, this may reflect the reduced GABA activity in the brain and an imbalance of its receptors.
This has also been shown to be linked to an imbalance of serotonin and norepinephrine responses. Similarly, there is also evidence that there may be links to increased excitability of glutamate in those with anxiety.
In depression, there is evidence of abnormalities in noradrenergic, dopaminergic, and serotonergic transmission. Overall, serotonin has been shown to play a role in mood disorders as well as obsessive compulsive disorder OCD. Finally, dopamine levels have been shown to be associated with addictions and schizophrenia. The sensitivity of dopamine receptors or too much dopamine is suggested to be associated with. Different types of drugs can affect the chemical transmission and change the effects of neurotransmitters.
This can include medications used to alleviate the symptoms of certain mental health conditions, such as SSRIs, benzodiazepines, and anti-psychotics. Neurotransmission can also be affected by illicit drugs such as cocaine, marijuana, and heroin. SSRIs work by blocking the reuptake of the neurotransmitter serotonin into the neuron that released it. This means that there will be a build up of serotonin in the synaptic cleft, making it more likely that serotonin will reach the receptors of the next neurons.
Benzodiazepines are typically only prescribed for a couple of weeks as it can have adverse side effects of causing more anxiety or altering mood and behavior. As those with schizophrenia usually have too much dopaminergic activity, antipsychotics work to antagonise dopamine receptors. Antipsychotics can also be used for individuals with dementia, bipolar disorder and major depressive disorder.
Depending on the type, illicit drugs can either slow down or speed up the central nervous system and autonomic functions. Marijuana contains the psychoactive chemical tetrahydrocannabinol THC which interacts with, and binds to cannabinoid receptors. This produces a relaxing effect and can also increase levels of dopamine. Heroin binds to the opioid receptors and triggers the release of extremely high levels of dopamine.
The more that heroin is used, the more likely a tolerance will develop from it, meaning that the brain will not function the way it did before starting the drug. Cocaine is a stimulant drug as it speeds up the central nervous system, increasing heart rate, blood pressure, alertness, and energy.
Cocaine essentially gives the brain a surge of dopamine with quick effects. The effects of cocaine do not typically last very long and can make a person irritable or depressed afterwards, leading to a craving of more.
Cocaine can be highly addictive due to the way it affects the dopamine levels and reward system of the brain. Ecstasy is a psychoactive drug, which works as a stimulant as well as a hallucinogenic. Ecstasy works by binding to serotonin receptors and stimulating them, as well as influencing norepinephrine and dopamine.
Ecstasy can bring about feelings of pleasure and warmth, overall decreasing anxiety in the moment. However, regular use and aftereffects can increase anxiety, irritability, sleep difficulties, and depressed feelings. Olivia has been working as a support worker for adults with learning disabilities in Bristol for the last four years.
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The Psychiatric Clinics of North America, 32 3 , — Haam, J. Excessive amounts of acetylcholine can cause depression whereas limited amounts will result in Dementia. Body cramps can occur as a result of reduced levels.
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