Neurochemistry

The word neurochemical is a combination of neuron, the electrical subunit of the brain and chemical which refers to specific interneuron messenger molecules. The reason the brain uses both chemical and electrical systems is that neurons are used for immediate messaging whereas the chemicals are used for message which require a longer duration of action.

Electricity can only move at the speed of light and therefore is limited in its action as a messenger as it can only work instantaneously. An example of this is the knee jerk response a closed loop reflex, input results in instantaneous output. This is useful for immediate danger scenarios and became a prime fitness driver of evolution. However, there comes a point where there is an overload of information from neurons, hence the chemical side evolved enabling slower more prolonged responses. This in part is what enbaled the brain to create processing in higher cortex areas, giving a more delayed, more "intelligent" response.

Neurotransmitters

Whilst dopamine is one of the most important neurotransmitters, however it is only one in a symphony others:

• GABA is an example of an inhibitory neurotransmitter its effects are similar to that of alcohol or benzodiazepines.
• Norepinephrine, also known as noradrenaline, is a monoamine neurotransmitter that is involved in arousal, pain perception, executive function, body temperature regulation, and other processes.
• Epinephrine, also known as adrenaline, is a monoamine neurotransmitter that plays in fight-or-flight response, increases blood flow to muscles, output of the heart, pupil dilation, and glucose.
• Serotonin is a monoamine neurotransmitter that plays a regulatory role in mood, sleep, appetite, body temperature regulation, and other processes.
• Histamine is a monoamine neurotransmitter that is involved in arousal, pain, body temperature regulation, and appetite.