Neurotransmitter Research

Choose one of the following neurotransmitters to research:

● Serotonin
● Norepinephrine
● Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)
● Dopamine

#2-#6 are short answer - responses should be at least 3 sentences long.

Use complete sentences. Cite at least 2 sources.

1. What is the name of your neurotransmitter?

a. Serotonin
2. How does this neurotransmitter normally function in neurons?
a. Serotonin carries signals between neurons
3. What behaviors or functions is it associated with?
a. Serotonin regulates your mood, hunger, and sleep. It also helps control your
bowel movements and function. Serotonin basically just regulates the body.
4. If levels of your neurotransmitter are out of balance in the brain (too high or too low),
what can happen? Describe what happens in the neurons and also what that means for
the person as a result.
a. Low amounts of serotonin are linked to depression. People who are being cranky
who usually aren’t like that, may have low serotonin levels. High serotonin levels
can cause mild to severe symptoms, and in some cases, even death.
5. Are there any diseases associated with your neurotransmitter?
a. One disease or illness associated with serotonin is depression, which is linked to
low serotonin levels. Depression can be treated with antidepressants, which help
raise serotonin levels in the brain. Another one is serotonin syndrome, which is
caused by too much serotonin.
6. What lifestyle choices can affect (either positively or negatively) levels of your
neurotransmitter? (i.e. drugs, exercise, etc.)
a. Drugs used to lower or increase serotonin levels, may have a role in obesity and
Parkinson’s. You can increase serotonin levels if needed through light exercise
and dieting. If you drink too much coffee, you can become addicted to caffeine
and that can cause a serotonin deficit.
7. Sources of information:
a. https://www.bustle.com/p/what-lowers-your-serotonin-levels-6-habits-that-can-im
pact-this-neurotransmitter-in-your-body-10062152
b. https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-serotonin-425327#:~:text=Serotonin%20