GOVT.
COLLEGE OF NURSING
JODHPUR
SUBJECT: - MENTAL HEALTH NURSING
PRESNTATION ON - NEUROTRANSMITERS
SUBMITTED TO: SUBMITTED BY:
MISS MANJU SHARMA MR DINESH KUMAR
LECTURER GCON MSc Nursing Preveous
Batch 2025
PRESENTATION ON: - 30/10/2025
Introduction
The human brain is one of the most complex organs in
the body.
It controls our thoughts, emotions, movements, and vital
body functions.
Communication within the brain and nervous system
happens through chemical messengers known as
neurotransmitters.
These chemicals play a major role in regulating mood,
behavior, and cognition.
Definition:
Neurotransmitters are chemical substances that transmit
signals from one neuron (nerve cell) to another across a
small gap called the synapse.
They are released from the axon terminal of one neuron
and bind to receptors on the dendrites of another neuron.
They act as the body’s natural communication system.
Structure of a Neuron
Parts of a Neuron:
Cell body (Soma): Contains the nucleus and cell
machinery.
Dendrites: Receive messages from other neurons.
Axon: Sends messages to other neurons.
Synapse: The small gap between neurons where
neurotransmission occurs.
Steps in Neurotransmission
1. Synthesis: Neurotransmitters are produced in the
neuron.
2. Storage: They are stored in small sacs called synaptic
vesicles.
3. Release: When a nerve impulse reaches the axon
terminal, neurotransmitters are released into the synaptic
cleft.
4. Binding: They bind to receptor sites on the
postsynaptic neuron.
5. Inactivation: The neurotransmitters are either broken
down by enzymes or reabsorbed (reuptake) for reuse.
Types of Neurotransmitters
Neurotransmitters can be broadly classified into two
types:
Excitatory neurotransmitters:
Stimulate the next neuron to send a signal (e.g.,
Glutamate).
Inhibitory neurotransmitters:
Prevent the next neuron from firing (e.g., GABA).
Major Neurotransmitters and Their
Functions
Neurotransmitter Main Function Associated Disorders
(When Imbalanced)
Acetylcholine (ACh) Muscle movement, memory,
learning Alzheimer’s disease
Dopamine Pleasure, reward, motivation, movement
Parkinson’s disease, Schizophrenia
Serotonin Mood, sleep, appetite Depression, Anxiety
Norepinephrine (Noradrenaline) Alertness, stress
response Depression
GABA (Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid) Inhibitory control,
relaxation Anxiety, Epilepsy
Glutamate Learning, memory, excitation Seizures,
Neurotoxicity
Endorphins Pain relief, euphoria Low levels linked to
pain sensitivity
Histamine Wakefulness, immune response Sleep
disorders
Dopamine – “The Feel-Good Neurotransmitter”
Controls reward, motivation, and motor control.
Imbalance can lead to:
Excess dopamine: Schizophrenia and addiction.
Deficiency: Parkinson’s disease.
Dopamine is released during pleasurable activities such
as eating or listening to music.
Serotonin – “The Mood Stabilizer”
Regulates mood, emotions, sleep, and appetite.
Low serotonin levels are linked with depression and
anxiety disorders.
Many antidepressants (SSRIs) increase serotonin levels in
the brain.
Acetylcholine – “The Learning Neurotransmitter”
Plays a key role in muscle activation and memory
formation.
Low levels are associated with Alzheimer’s disease and
memory loss.
Found in both the central and peripheral nervous
systems.
GABA and Glutamate – The Balance of Calm and
Excitement
GABA (Inhibitory): Promotes calmness and relaxation.
Glutamate (Excitatory): Stimulates brain activity and
learning.
An imbalance between these two can cause anxiety or
seizures.
Norepinephrine – “The Alertness Neurotransmitter”
Responsible for fight or flight response, increasing heart
rate and alertness.
Helps maintain focus and attention.
Low levels contribute to fatigue and depression.
Endorphins – “Natural Painkillers”
Released in response to stress or pain.
Promote feelings of pleasure and well-being.
Exercise, laughter, and meditation can increase
endorphin release.
Neurotransmitter Imbalance and
Mental Health
Depression: Low serotonin, norepinephrine, dopamine.
Anxiety: Low GABA levels.
Schizophrenia: Excess dopamine activity.
Parkinson’s disease: Deficiency of dopamine in the basal
ganglia.
Drugs and Neurotransmitters
Many drugs affect neurotransmission:
Antidepressants → Increase serotonin or norepinephrine.
Antipsychotics → Block dopamine receptors.
Stimulants (e.g., cocaine) → Increase dopamine.
Sedatives → Enhance GABA activity.
Importance of Neurotransmitters in
Nursing
Understanding neurotransmitters helps nurses in:
Administering psychotropic medications effectively.
Recognizing side effects of neurotransmitter imbalance.
Providing holistic care to patients with neurological or
psychiatric disorders.
Summary
Neurotransmitters are essential for brain communication.
Each neurotransmitter has unique roles and effects on
behavior and mood.
Balance is key — both deficiency and excess can cause
disorders.
Understanding them is vital for healthcare professionals.
Conclusion
Neurotransmitters form the foundation of how our brains
and bodies communicate.
They influence everything from muscle movement to
emotional well-being.
Continued research on neurotransmitters helps in
developing treatments for mental and neurological
diseases.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
JN Vyas Niraj Ahujha Postgraduate psychiatric 2nd edition page no.
659 .
M.S Bhatia Psychiatric nursing comphrensive theoretical and
practical approach 4th edition page no. 11