Chemicals in the brain, called neurotransmitters, play a role in depression. Sometimes, the chemicals become imbalanced, causing depressive symptoms to arise. Although there are several reasons a person can become depressed, this is the biological standpoint. Typically, individuals who have imbalanced chemicals in the brain need psychotropic medications to help their neurotransmitters return to a normal level. The most common neurotransmitters known to play a part in depression are serotonin, norepinephrine, dopamine, and gamma aminobutyric acid.
Serotonin
Clusters of serotonin neurons are located in the brainstem of the brain, the most important part of the brain, according to brynmawr.edu. Serotonin affects the central nervous system, and has been shown to calm, sooth, and generate feelings of general contentment. According to brynmawr.edu, a lack of serotonin has been linked to depression and other mental health disorders. Depletions of serotonin in certain areas of the brain, such as the hypothalamus, amygdala, and cortical areas, have great impact on the development of depression. Brynmawr.edu also reports that serotonin can also play a role in depression through the reduced level of 5-hydroxyindolacetic (5-HIAA) acid, which is a serotonin metabolite in the cerebral spinal fluid.
Norepinephrine
Norepinephrine maintains the balance between agitation and depression in the brain, according to enotalone.com. Low levels of norepinephrine are associated with a loss of alertness and poor memory, both which are symptoms of depression. It is also associated with depression itself. According to enotalone.com, mild elevations of norepinephrine create a pleasurable feeling, and individuals using antidepressants that affect norepinephrine may reach a state of emotional elation and physical arousal.
Dopamine
Dopamine is another neurotransmitter that can play a role in depression. Dopamine is similar to adrenaline, according to the Insight Journal. According to primarypsychiatry.com, research has shown that homovanillic acid (HVA) is a major metabolite of dopamine in the central nervous system. A reduced level of HVA has shown to be related to depression. This is because a shortage of dopamine can cause a person to think irrationally, which is a symptom of depression, reports the Insight Journal. On the other hand, an increase in dopamine into the frontal lobe relieves pain and increases pleasure, according to the Insight Journal.
Gamma Aminobutyric Acid
Gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) is a neurotransmitter found in the central nervous system, according to TheSupplementGuide.com. A deficiency of GABA is related to depression. GABA works by preventing the brain’s synapses from overworking and causing mental disturbances. According to linkinghub.elsevier.com, lower levels of GABA were found in individuals with depression. Usually, these abnormal levels are found in the prefrontal cortex, reports linkinghub.elsevier.com.
About this Author
Cristina A. Fernandez is a newly discovered writer focusing in the field of psychology. She has extensive experience writing about a variety of topics from the field of psychology, including mental health disorders, addictions, and psychotropic medications. Fernandez graduated at the top of her class from the University of Pennsylvania with a master’s degree in psychological services.
