Question

A patient asks a nurse, "What are neurotransmitters? My doctor says mine are out of balance." The best reply would be:

1. "Neurotransmitters are substances we eat daily that influence memory and mood."
2. "You must feel relieved to know that your problem has a physical basis."
3. "Neurotransmitters are chemical that pass messages between brain cells."
4. "It is a high level concept to explain. You should ask the doctor to tell you more."

Answer 1

Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers essential for transmitting signals between neurons. Imbalances in neurotransmitter systems can lead to psychological disorders, and medications are used to treat these imbalances.

Step-by-step explanation:

Neurotransmitters are endogenous chemicals that enable neurotransmission. They act as chemical messengers that transmit signals across a chemical synapse, such as a neuromuscular junction, from one neuron to another target neuron, muscle cell, or gland cell. These substances are stored in vesicles within neurons and are released into the synaptic cleft through a process called exocytosis.

There are many different types of neurotransmitters, each associated with specific functions and effects, which may be excitatory, inhibitory, or modulatory. Dysfunctions in neurotransmitter systems can lead to physical and mental disorders, and psychotropic medications aim to restore neurotransmitter balance to treat symptoms associated with psychological disorders such as depression and schizophrenia.