Abstract

Neurotransmitters are pivotal in regulating mood, cognition, and behavior, serving as the chemical messengers that facilitate communication between neurons in the brain. This communication profoundly influences our emotional states, cognitive functions, and motor actions. Major neurotransmitters, including dopamine, serotonin, acetylcholine, norepinephrine, and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), each play distinct roles in brain function and behavior. Dopamine is essential for reward and motivation, serotonin regulates mood and anxiety, acetylcholine impacts learning and memory, norepinephrine affects attention and stress responses, and GABA modulates neural excitability. Imbalances in these neurotransmitter systems are linked to a range of psychiatric and neurological disorders, including depression, schizophrenia, Parkinson’s disease, and Alzheimer’s disease. This paper explores how variations in neurotransmitter levels and receptor function influence behavior and contributes to mental health conditions. Understanding these biochemical processes provides critical insights into the development of targeted therapeutic strategies aimed at restoring neurotransmitter balance and improving patient outcomes