INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGY

TOPIC: BIOLOGICAL BASES OF HUMAN BEHAVIOR

Neurotransmitter High levels of _____ will Low levels of _____ will

lead to lead to
1. Acetylcholine (Ach)- High levels Acetylcholine Low levels of
an excitatory of will lead to too much Acetylcholine will lead to
neurotransmitter. It is muscle contraction memory loss (An example
responsible for (Spasms, blurry vision, and is the Alzheimer’s Disease
stimulation of paralysis) wherein the brain shrinks,
hormones, controls and brain cells die)
heartbeat, and plays
an important role in
brain function and
memory. It also
triggers muscle
contractions
2. Dopamine-it is known High levels of Dopamine Low levels o Dopamine
as the pleasure or will lead to poor impulse will lead to demotivation
reward control. (An example is an and/or less movement
neurotransmitter. It is individual losing control coordination. (An example
important for and being aggressive) is Parkinson’s Disease
memory, learning, which causes a person to
behavior, and move slowly, stiff
movement muscles, unsteady walk,
coordination. and difficulty with
coordination. Another one
is Schizophrenia.)
3. Serotonin-stabilizes High levels of Serotonin Low levels of Serotonin
the mood and is will lead to Serotonin will lead to Depression
responsible for Syndrome which will and Anxiety. (An example
happiness. cause extreme health is the Seasonal Affective
issues. (Autonomic Disorder or SAD)
hyperactivity like rapid

heartbeat and high blood

pressure.)
4. Norepinephrine-It is a High level of
stress hormone and Norepinephrine will lead to
neurotransmitter and euphoric feelings. (It can
also plays a role in the also link to panic attacks and
focus of an individual. hyperactivity.)
5. Endorphins-it is known High level of Endorphins
as the natural pain will lead to relief of stress
relivers of the body, it and pain and even if it can be
creates energized, produced in high levels, it is
euphoric felling. still healthy and safe,
without the risk of addiction
and overdose. (An example
is the runner’s high wherein
it is the euphoric feeling
after performing lengthy
and vigorous physical
activity.)
6. Glutamate-powerful High levels of Glutamate
excitatory will lead to brain damage
neurotransmitter that is and/or nerve cell damage.
responsible for (An example is
sending signals excitotoxicity-at high
between nerve cells. It concentration of glutamate;
is also responsible in cells can be overexcited
learning and longterm which would lead them to
memory. die. Prolonged excitation is
toxic to nerve cells which
would cause damage
overtime.)
7. Gamma High levels of GABA will
Aminobutyric Acid lead to too much calmness
(GABA)-it calms the brain, as it means your brain does
involved in not have enough brain
sleep, relaxation, and activity. (An example is the
hypersomnia or the
anxiety regulation.
daytime sleepiness.)
Low level of
Norepinephrine will lead to
not sustained attention. (It
may contribute to the
development of attention
deficit hyperactivity
disorder or ADHD)
Low levels of Endorphins
will lead to feeling of stress
and pain, a person’s mental
and physical health may
also be negatively affected.
(An example is
Fibromyalgia which is the
long-term pain all
throughout the body.)
Low levels of Glutamate
will lead to having low
energy. (Having difficulty
in concentrating and
mental exhaustion.)
Low levels of GABA will
lead to uneasiness as it
means your brain has a lot
of brain activity. (An
example is Overthinking,
anxiousness, tension, and
difficulty in sleeping.)
 8. Glycine-helps High levels of Glycine will Low levels of Glycine will
regulate nerve lead to neurological lead to poor mental health.
impulses in central problems. (An example is (As it acts as an
nervous system. Hyperglycinemia wherein antidepressant and helps
the excess glycine builds with sleeping pattern, low
level fo Glycine may lead to
up in tissue, organs, depression and
particularly in the brain.) restlessness.)

SOURCES:
• https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/326649
• https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.goodtherapy.org/blog/what-is-dopaminedeficiency-
low-dopamine-symptoms-to-watch-for-0926197/amp/
• https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.goodtherapy.org/blog/what-happens-when-
yourserotonin-levels-get-too-high-1115184/amp/
• https://www.hormone.org/your-health-and-hormones/glands-and-hormones-a-
toz/hormones/norepinephrine -
:~:text=Problems%20with%20norepinephrine%20levels%20are,elevated%20blood%20p
ressure%2C%20and%20hyperactivity
• https://www.everydayhealth.com/glutamate/guide/
• https://www.verywellhealth.com/gaba-glutamate-fibromyalgia-chronic-fatigue-716010
• https://www.objectivewellness.com/journal/posts/how-to-increase-gaba-5-ways-to-
boostyour-brains-calming-chemical
• https://www.mcgill.ca/oss/article/health/gaba-supplements-glorious-gimmicky-or-
justgarbage -
:~:text=Functionally%2C%20GABA%20is%20incredibly%20important,to%20hypersom
nia%20or%20daytime%20sleepiness
• https://www.verywellhealth.com/glycine-overview-4583816
• https://www.hormone.org/your-health-and-hormones/glands-and-hormones-a-
toz/hormones/norepinephrine -
:~:text=Problems%20with%20norepinephrine%20levels%20are,elevated%20blood%20p
ressure%2C%20and%20hyperactivity