Neurotransmitters are chemicals that are released from one neuron to another nearby neuron as a means of passing a signal from one to the next. Many mental health conditions seem to arise from biochemical disruptions leading to (or ameliorated by correction of) excesses or deficits of these neurotransmitters. In this entry, an overview of the mechanism of neurotransmitter function is followed by the ways in which this mechanism can be altered with medication. The major types of neurotransmitters are delineated, with the common mental health conditions associated with each.

Mechanism of Neurotransmitter Function

Neurons are the major basic unit of the nervous system. Information is sent from one neuron to another mainly by means of transfer of chemicals. Types of chemical messengers include neuromodulators, which modulate neurotramsitter ...

  • Loading...
locked icon

Sign in to access this content

Get a 30 day FREE TRIAL

  • Watch videos from a variety of sources bringing classroom topics to life
  • Read modern, diverse business cases
  • Explore hundreds of books and reference titles