Serotonin Molecules

By Author: Sherry Roberts
Total Articles: 81
Comment this article

Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that plays a fundamental role in the transmission of nerve impulses. Serotonin is released from the end of the presynaptic cell into the synaptic cleft. The serotonin molecules bind with the receptor proteins leading to changes in the electrical state of the cell. The electric state of the cell can either excite or inhibit the cell. Individuals need an adequate amount of serotonin so as to regulate their mood and emotions. Adequate amounts of serotonin balance out any excessive excitatory neurotransmitter traveling to the brain. Serotonin depletion can lead to obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). OCD is an anxiety related disorder that is characterized by intrusive and irrational thoughts, as well as repetitive rituals.
Scientists have linked serotonin to the manifestation of the obsessive compulsive disorder. The link arises from the discovery that the uptake of selective serotonin inhibitors has anti-obsession effects on an individual suffering from OCD. OCD patients demonstrate a dysfunction of the basal ganglia and the frontal lobes. The failure of effective functioning results to the ...
... repetitive behavior that OCD patient’s present. The prevalence of OCD has been associated with genetics as well as environmental factors. Nestadt, et al. (2010) conducted a study where he discovered that 37% of parents and 21% of siblings had OCD. The discovery of a genetic connection provides researchers and healthcare professionals with the hope of a permanent cure. The transmission of OCD across generations means that there are genetic factors that transmit the disease. Treatment efforts will thus focus on eliminating the gene. Environmental factors have also been found to enhance the occurrence of OCD. The environmental connections of OCD address the behaviors that individual adopt over the years e.g. a fear of germs. Medication such as Prozac, Celexa, and Luvox work by blocking the neurons from transmitting excessive serotonin patients can also undertake cognitive behavioral therapy to change their behaviors.
Reference
Nestdat, G. & Samuels, J. (2010).Genetics of OCD. Journal of psychiatry. Vol. 33(1):141-158
Response One
I agree with your well-informed analysis of monoamine neurotransmitters i.e. Serotonin, Norepinephrine, and dopamine. However, it is dopamine that is associated with schizophrenia. Schizophrenia is a mental disorder that is represented by abnormal social behavior. Schizophrenia leads to various psychological symptoms including delusion, hallucination, and depression. I agree you on the importance of dopamine receptor for the purpose of control, thinking and hormone secretion. The inadequacy and or lack of dopamine cause schizophrenia. I also agree with the evidence on the effective management of schizophrenia. Schizophrenia is managed through pharmacological treatments that block the D2 receptors. It is also true that schizophrenia has a genetic connection with the risk increasing among members of the same family. Overall, the discussion is in-depth and covers the main areas i.e. the discussion of the neurotransmitters and the respective receptors. However, the analysis should provide an in-depth discussion of how genetics and the environment affect the management of the disorder.
Response Two
The second response provides a strong argument on the relation between Norepinephrine and the occurrence of depression. Norepinephrine is a stress hormone that affects attention and responding actions. Norepinephrine also interacts with the hormone epinephrine to determine the flight-or-fight response in an individual. Norepinephrine is released when the locus becomes activated. The discussion also makes a strong discussion on how genetics and the environment affect individuals with depression. The discussion analyzes the case of dizygotic twins while the environmental factors discuss the exposure to a traumatic experience. The writers should have indicated how the treatments work towards correcting depression and regulating Norepinephrine.

Sherry Roberts is the author of this paper. A senior editor at Melda Research in 24 hour college papers. If you need a similar paper you can place your order for a custom research paper from medicine essay writing services.