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Several theories concerning the biologically based cause of depression have been suggested over the years, including theories revolving around monoamine neurotransmitters, neuroplasticity, neurogenesis, inflammation and the circadian rhythm. Physical illnesses, including hypothyroidism and mitochondrial disease, can also trigger depressive ...
Serotonin (/ ˌ s ɛr ə ˈ t oʊ n ɪ n, ˌ s ɪər ə-/) [6] [7] [8] or 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) is a monoamine neurotransmitter.Its biological function is complex, touching on diverse functions including mood, cognition, reward, learning, memory, and numerous physiological processes such as vomiting and vasoconstriction.
Anhedonia is a diverse array of deficits in hedonic function, including reduced motivation or ability to experience pleasure. [1] While earlier definitions emphasized the inability to experience pleasure, anhedonia is currently used by researchers to refer to reduced motivation, reduced anticipatory pleasure (wanting), reduced consummatory pleasure (liking), and deficits in reinforcement learning.
Endorphins inhibit transmission of pain signals by binding μ-receptors of peripheral nerves, which block their release of neurotransmitter substance P. The mechanism in the CNS is similar but works by blocking a different neurotransmitter: gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA).
Parkinson's disease, a degenerative condition causing tremor and motor impairment, is caused by a loss of dopamine-secreting neurons in an area of the midbrain called the substantia nigra. Its metabolic precursor L-DOPA can be manufactured; Levodopa, a pure form of L-DOPA, is the most widely used treatment for Parkinson's.
Another part of this sexy equation is serotonin—a neurotransmitter and hormone, commonly referred to as the “happy chemical,” that plays a role in regulating mood. As luck would have it ...
On some conceptions, happiness is identified with "the individual's balance of pleasant over unpleasant experience". [11] Life satisfaction theories, on the other hand, hold that happiness involves having the right attitude towards one's life as a whole. Pleasure may have a role to play in this attitude, but it is not identical to happiness. [11]
Affective neuroscience is the study of how the brain processes emotions.This field combines neuroscience with the psychological study of personality, emotion, and mood. [1] The basis of emotions and what emotions are remains an issue of debate within the field of affective neuroscience.