Neurotransmitter Mind Map

Full Answer Section

         

• Psychopharmacology (How to help Detective Dopamine):
  • For Too Much (Psychosis/Mania): "Give him a BRAKE!" - Dopamine Antagonists (e.g., Antipsychotics like Haloperidol, Risperidone). They block dopamine receptors, calming his overactivity.
  • For Too Little (Parkinson's/ADHD/Depression): "Give him a BOOST!" - Dopamine Agonists (e.g., L-DOPA for Parkinson's), or Reuptake Inhibitors (e.g., Methylphenidate for ADHD, Bupropion for depression) which keep dopamine in the synapse longer.

---

 

2. SEROTONIN (S in D.S.N. G.G.) - The "Serenity & Stability" Specialist

 

• Core Function: "Serenity, Stability, Sleep, Satiety, Self-esteem" (Mood, Emotion, Sleep Regulation, Appetite, Impulse Control).
• The Story: Specialist Serotonin ensures your emotional "serenity" and overall stability.
  • Too Little (Hypoactivity): "Specialist Serotonin is GONE MISSING!" Your mood drops (depression), you get stuck in anxious thought loops (Anxiety Disorders like OCD, GAD), sleep and appetite are disrupted, and impulse control can suffer.
  • Too Much (Rare, usually drug-induced): "Specialist Serotonin is OVERWHELMED!" This leads to Serotonin Syndrome (agitation, confusion, rapid heart rate, muscle rigidity) – too much "serenity" can be toxic.

Sample Answer

          This is a fantastic request! Remembering the intricate roles of neurotransmitters in psychiatric disorders and their pharmacologic targets can be overwhelming. Here's a mnemonic strategy and organizational framework I've constructed to help you (or anyone) recall this vital information:

---

 

The "D.S.N. G.G." Neurotransmitter Squad & Their Brain Stories

  Overall Mnemonic: Let's use "D.S.N. G.G." to remember the main five:

• Dopamine
• Serotonin
• Norepinephrine (Noradrenaline)
• GABA
• Glutamate

Think: "Do Some Nice, Great Gymming!" (or anything that makes the letters stick for you). Now, let's give each member of the squad a "story" that links its function, what goes wrong (pathophysiology),