From the Guidelines
The primary neurotransmitter is a matter of context, but based on the most recent evidence, serotonin is a key player in various neurological and psychiatric conditions, including anxiety disorders and obsessive-compulsive disorder 1. When considering the complex interplay of neurotransmitters in the brain, it's essential to recognize that each plays distinct roles in brain function and behavior. The major neurotransmitters include acetylcholine, dopamine, serotonin, norepinephrine, GABA, glutamate, and endorphins.
- Acetylcholine is involved in memory and muscle movement
- Dopamine affects mood, reward, and movement
- Serotonin regulates mood, appetite, and sleep
- Norepinephrine influences alertness and arousal
- GABA is inhibitory and reduces neuronal excitability
- Glutamate is excitatory and crucial for learning and memory
- Endorphins are natural pain relievers Imbalances in these neurotransmitters are associated with various neurological and psychiatric conditions, which is why many medications target specific neurotransmitter systems. For example, SSRIs increase serotonin levels to treat depression, while Parkinson's medications aim to restore dopamine function 1. In the context of anxiety disorders, the SNRI medication class, which inhibits the presynaptic reuptake of both norepinephrine and serotonin, has been shown to be effective in treatment, likely due to complex interactions with other neurotransmitters including serotonin 1. Similarly, in obsessive-compulsive disorder, several key neurotransmitter systems, including serotonin, dopamine, and glutamate, have been implicated, with the serotonergic system being a primary focus due to the selective efficacy of serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SRIs) in patients with OCD 1.
In summary, while there is no single primary neurotransmitter, serotonin plays a crucial role in various neurological and psychiatric conditions, and its imbalance is often targeted by medications such as SSRIs and SNRIs 1.
From the Research
Neurotransmitter Systems
The primary neurotransmitter is a matter of context, as different systems are involved in various physiological and behavioral functions.
- The serotonergic system is implicated in mood regulation, appetite, and sleep, among other functions 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- The dopaminergic system is involved in reward, motivation, and movement control 5, 6.
- The GABAergic system is primarily inhibitory, playing a key role in regulating neuronal excitability 5, 6.
- The glutamatergic system is the primary excitatory neurotransmitter system in the central nervous system 5, 6.
Specific Neurotransmitters
Some specific neurotransmitters that are often considered primary in certain contexts include:
- Serotonin (5-HT), which is involved in mood regulation and other functions 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- Dopamine, which is involved in reward, motivation, and movement control 5, 6.
- GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), which is the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system 5, 6.
- Glutamate, which is the primary excitatory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system 5, 6.
Therapeutic Implications
Understanding the roles of different neurotransmitter systems and specific neurotransmitters is crucial for the development of effective treatments for various neurological and psychiatric disorders 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.