Neurotransmitters and Associated Conditions

Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that facilitate communication between neurons. Imbalances in their levels can contribute to various neurological and psychological conditions. Below is an overview of key neurotransmitters and conditions linked to their dysregulation.

Function: Regulates mood, appetite, sleep, and cognitive processing.

1. Low Levels:
   • Depression
   • Anxiety disorders
   • Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
   • Insomnia
2. High Levels:
   • Serotonin syndrome (agitation, hyperthermia)
   • May contribute to mania in bipolar disorder

Function: Controls reward, motivation, movement, and emotional responses.

1. Low Levels:
   • Parkinson’s disease (motor symptoms)
   • Depression
   • ADHD (dysregulation)
2. High Levels:
   • Schizophrenia (excess in mesolimbic pathway)
   • Addiction
   • Mania

Function: Modulates alertness, arousal, and the “fight-or-flight” response.

1. Low Levels:
   • Depression
   • ADHD
   • Fatigue
2. High Levels:
   • Anxiety disorders
   • Hypertension
   • PTSD (hyperarousal)

Function: Primary inhibitory neurotransmitter; reduces neuronal excitability.

1. Low Levels:
   • Anxiety disorders
   • Epilepsy
   • Insomnia
2. High Levels:
   • Sedation (e.g., from benzodiazepines)
   • Respiratory depression (overdose)

Function: Primary excitatory neurotransmitter; involved in learning and memory.

1. Low Levels:
   • Rare; may impair cognition
2. High Levels:
   • Excitotoxicity (stroke, traumatic brain injury)
   • Neurodegenerative diseases (Alzheimer’s, ALS)

Function: Regulates muscle activation, memory, and attention.

1. Low Levels:
   • Alzheimer’s disease
   • Myasthenia gravis (receptor dysfunction)
2. High Levels:
   • Organophosphate poisoning (muscle spasms, seizures)
   • Parkinson’s tremors (in specific pathways)

Function: Natural painkillers; promote pleasure and stress relief.

1. Low Levels:
   • Chronic pain syndromes
   • Depression
   • Opioid withdrawal
2. High Levels:
   • “Runner’s high” (exercise-induced)
   • Euphoria (opioid use)

Function: Regulates wakefulness, immune response, and allergic reactions.

1. Low Levels:
   • Sedation (antihistamine side effect)
   • Narcolepsy (possible link)
2. High Levels:
   • Allergic reactions (hives, anaphylaxis)
   • Insomnia (overactivation)

• Neurotransmitter systems are highly interconnected, and imbalances often involve multiple chemicals.
• Conditions listed are simplified associations; actual etiology may involve receptors, reuptake, or genetic factors.
• Always consult a healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment.