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 chemicals are used for messages which are slower acting or require a longer duration of action.

Electricity is limited in its action as a messenger as it can only work instantaneously (at the speed of light). Think of the knee jerk response, a closed loop electrical reflex, an 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.

Neurotransmitters

Whilst dopamine is one of the most important neurotransmitters in regards to human behaviour, 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.