PSYCH 2AP3 Lecture Notes - Multiple Sclerosis, Cortisol, Tryptophan
Document Summary
Amine hypothesis: idea that depression stems from or is associated with lower levels of activity in three different amine neurotransmitters: Action which drugs that are affective: raise functional number of neurotransmitters in the brain. Precursors: production of neurotransmitter will increase, effective in reducing the symptoms of depression. Metabolite: mhpg lower levels of urinary mhpg in depression than controls. Small majority of studies find lower csf levels of 5-hiaa in depression low csf levels of 5-hiaa in aggression, impulsivity, suicide. Permissive serotonin controls the levels of the other two neurotransmitters serotonin regulates neural activity. Dopamine and norepinephrine reduced regulation = wider activity changes, lead to mania or depression serotonin stabilization by lithium in bipolar disorders reports of successful treatment with serotonin precursors. Delay between drug effects and lifting of depression. Neurons adapt to changes in activity: tries to return itself to the level of activity it once had.