| Neurotransmitter | Primary Function | Dysfunction (Hypoactivity) | Common Drug Target | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | | Mood regulation, impulse control, sleep, pain | Depression, anxiety, OCD, panic, bulimia, PTSD | SSRIs, SNRIs | | Norepinephrine (NE) | Energy, focus, vigilance, fight-or-flight | Depression (fatigue, anhedonia), ADHD, low energy | SNRIs, NDRIs, stimulants | | Dopamine (DA) | Reward, motivation, pleasure, executive function | Anhedonia (depression), inattention (ADHD), psychosis (excess DA) | Stimulants, antipsychotics, bupropion |
Every psychiatric medication either hits the gas on one of these highways, hits the brakes, or cleans up the potholes so the signal travels faster. Clinical Psychopharmacology Made Ridiculously Simple
These stem from situational trauma, poor coping mechanisms, or cognitive distortions. They rarely respond to drug therapies. pain | Depression