Describe and discuss the neurotransmitter Norepinephrine/Epinephrine as it relates to a psychiatric disorder(s). Be sure to cover where your neurotransmitter is found in the brain (there may be more than one area), the neuronal pathway and receptor(s) and describe how an excess or deficiency in your assigned neurotransmitter may contribute to psychiatric illness. List the specific disorder(s) affected by your neurotransmitter.
Norepinephrine (NE), also known as noradrenaline, is a neurotransmitter and a hormone. As a neurotransmitter, it is a chemical messenger that helps transmit nerve signals across nerve endings to another nerve cell, muscle cell, or gland cell. As a hormone, it is released into the bloodstream by the adrenal glands in response to stress.
Where is norepinephrine found in the brain?
Norepinephrine is found in many different areas of the brain, including the:
Neuronal pathway and receptor(s)
Norepinephrine is released from neurons in the LC and travels to other parts of the brain through a network of axons. It binds to two types of receptors: alpha and beta receptors.
How does an excess or deficiency in norepinephrine contribute to psychiatric illness?
An excess or deficiency in norepinephrine can contribute to a number of psychiatric disorders, including:
Specific psychiatric disorders affected by norepinephrine
How do medications that target norepinephrine levels work?
A number of medications that target norepinephrine levels are used to treat psychiatric disorders. These medications include:
Conclusion
Norepinephrine is a neurotransmitter and hormone that plays an important role in many different functions, including mood, attention, and stress response. An imbalance in norepinephrine levels can contribute to a number of psychiatric disorders. Medications that target norepinephrine levels are commonly used to treat these disorders.