Neurotransmitters are the chemicals that allow communication to occur in the brain. Different neurotransmitters allow and/or produce different functions. We can link various thinking, feeling and behavioral actions and states to various transmitters.
Dopamine
Norepinephrine
Serotonin
GABA
Enkephalin
Dopamine
Dopamine Functions in:
Feelings of pleasure
Feelings of attachment/love
Sense of altruism (unselfish concern for the welfare of others)
Integration of thoughts and feelings
Dopamine Deficiencies result in:
Anhedonia (lack of pleasure)
Lack of ability to feel love, sense attachment to another
Lack of remorse about actions
Distractibility
Norepinephrine
Norepinephrine Functions in:
Arousal, energy, drive
Stimulation
Fight or Flight
Norepinephrine Deficiencies result in:
Lack of energy
Lack of motivation
Depression
Serotonin
Serotonin Functions in:
Emotional stability
Reduces aggression
Sensory input
Sleep cycle
Appetite control
Serotonin Deficiencies result in:
Irritability
Irrational emotions
Sudden unexplained tears
OCD
Sleep disturbances
GABA
GABA Functions in:
Control of anxiety
Helps control arousal
Controls convulsions
Keeps brain activity balanced
GABA Deficiencies result in:
Free-floating anxiety
Racing thoughts
Rapid heart
Inability to fall asleep
Constant fight or flight
Panic
Enkephalin
Enkephalin Functions in:
Internal calm
Sense of well being
Feelings of euphoria
Self-concept
Pain management
Enkephalin Deficiencies result in:
Internal turmoil
Lack of complete feeling
Sense of inadequacy
Poor pain control
Dopamine
Norepinephrine
Serotonin
GABA
Enkephalin
Dopamine
Dopamine Functions in:
Feelings of pleasure
Feelings of attachment/love
Sense of altruism (unselfish concern for the welfare of others)
Integration of thoughts and feelings
Dopamine Deficiencies result in:
Anhedonia (lack of pleasure)
Lack of ability to feel love, sense attachment to another
Lack of remorse about actions
Distractibility
Norepinephrine
Norepinephrine Functions in:
Arousal, energy, drive
Stimulation
Fight or Flight
Norepinephrine Deficiencies result in:
Lack of energy
Lack of motivation
Depression
Serotonin
Serotonin Functions in:
Emotional stability
Reduces aggression
Sensory input
Sleep cycle
Appetite control
Serotonin Deficiencies result in:
Irritability
Irrational emotions
Sudden unexplained tears
OCD
Sleep disturbances
GABA
GABA Functions in:
Control of anxiety
Helps control arousal
Controls convulsions
Keeps brain activity balanced
GABA Deficiencies result in:
Free-floating anxiety
Racing thoughts
Rapid heart
Inability to fall asleep
Constant fight or flight
Panic
Enkephalin
Enkephalin Functions in:
Internal calm
Sense of well being
Feelings of euphoria
Self-concept
Pain management
Enkephalin Deficiencies result in:
Internal turmoil
Lack of complete feeling
Sense of inadequacy
Poor pain control