PSY-35 Lecture Notes - Lecture 31: Monoamine Oxidase, Mood Disorder, Mania
Document Summary
Original theory: low levels of norepinephrine and dopamine led to depression and high levels led to mania. Serotonin theory: serotonin, which plays a role in the regulation of norepinephrine, also produces depression and mania. Not completely supported notion (that levels of neurotransmitters are critical to mood disorders) Molecular structure is characterized by three fused rings. Prevent some of the reuptake of norepinephrine, serotonin, and/or dopamine by the presynaptic neuron after it has red. Leaves more of the neurotransmitter in the synapse so that transmission of the next nerve impulse is made easier. Keeps the enzyme monoamine oxidase from deactivating neurotransmitters, increasing the levels of serotonin, norepinephrine, and/or dopamine in the synapse. This produces the same facilitating effect described for tricyclics, compensating for the abnormally low levels of these neurotransmitters in depressed people. These drug actions suggest that depression and mania are related to serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine.
