Neurotransmitter effects on mood and behaviour
Endorphins
Endorphins are Chemical involved in passing nerve impulses from one nerve cell to the next across a synapse. that stimulate neurons involved in reducing the intensity of pain.
Increased levels of endorphins are connected with feeling of pleasure that arise from activities such as prolonged exercise, eating, and sex.
Endorphin production increases in response to:
- severe injury
- prolonged and continuous exercise
- stress
- certain foods
Increased levels of endorphins can, in turn, stimulate the release of dopamine. This can bring about other responses:
- euphoria
- appetite regulation
- the release of sex hormones
Dopamine
Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that induces the feeling of pleasure and is involved in reinforcing particular behaviour as part of the reward pathway (neurons which secrete or respond to increased levels of dopamine).
When we engage in behaviour that is beneficial to us, we activate the reward pathway. An example of a beneficial behaviour would be eating when hungry.