Chemical Brain Imbalances
Applied Science: BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma, topic 1.5.14
Chemical Brain Imbalances
Chemical imbalances in the brain can lead to ill health, including Parkinson’s disease and depression. Understanding these imbalances can help develop new drugs.
Parkinson's disease
- Parkinson’s disease develops when nerve cells that produce dopamine (a type of neurotransmitter) are lost.
- Dopamine is important in coordinating body movement.
- People with Parkinson’s disease will have symptoms such as a tremor, stiff muscles and slow movement.
- Increasing dopamine levels can alleviate the effects of Parkinson’s disease.
Depression
- Low serotonin levels have been associated with depression.
- Serotonin is a neurotransmitter thought to be associated with a ‘good mood’.
- Some antidepressants work by increasing the serotonin levels in the body.
- Low serotonin doesn’t necessarily cause depression, but increasing levels have been shown to alleviate some symptoms of depression.
Test yourself on Chemical Brain Imbalances
Which of the following statements about serotonin is NOT true?