We often discuss approaches to mental health medications such as SSRIs or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. It is useful to understand how neurotransmitters like serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine affect us.
What are neurotransmitters and what do they do?
Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers of the brain that help shape everyday life and function. They are released from one cell to another, and therefore, can communicate information between brain regions. While there are over 200 discovered neurotransmitters, there are several that play prominent roles in mood regulation and underlie symptoms of depression. Here is an overview of serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine.
Serotonin
Roles in Mood Regulation:
- Obsessions
- Compulsions
- Anxiety
Associated Antidepressant Classes:
- Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)
- Selective Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs)
- Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs)
- Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs)
- Atypical agents: Mirtazapine
Norepinephrine
Roles in Mood Regulation:
- Alertness
- Energy
- Anxiety
- Attention
- Interest
Associated Antidepressant Classes:
- Selective Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs)
- Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs)
- Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs)
- Atypical agents: Bupropion, Mirtazapine
Dopamine
Roles in Mood Regulation:
- Motivation
- Pleasure
- Reward
- Attention
- Interest
Associated Antidepressant Classes:
- Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs)
- Atypical agents: Bupropion
Does having depression mean I am deficient in these neurotransmitters?
The answer is not necessarily. More precisely, you may be experiencing a disruption of the activity of these neurotransmitters. This can include diminished or amplified activity that can be driven from a wide variety of mechanisms related to neurotransmitter production, breakdown or recycling, signal transmission, and more.
How do medications affect neurotransmitters?
Antidepressant medications typically rely on amplifying the activity of these neurotransmitters. The most commonly prescribed antidepressants including SSRIs and SNRIs are linked to increased activity of neurotransmitters by blocking their reabsorption, making them more available and allowing them to carry out their functions for longer.