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The Role of Neurotransmitters in Major Depressive Disorder
Miranda L. Daniel
National University
PSYC 427 Biological Psychology
December 22, 2024
, 2
Abstract:
MDD refers to a severe mental disorder outlined by prolonged state of low mood,
anhedonia, and functional disability. The subsequent sections of this paper review the biological
factors of MDD mainly emphasizing on the neurotransmitter systems involving serotonin,
dopamine, and norepinephrine. In this essay, by reviewing articles available in modern scientific
databases, I expose a mechanism through which dysregulation of these neurotransmitter systems
is involved in the development and maintenance of depressive pathology. Also, it considers the
medications and pharmaceutical therapies generalizing about the effectiveness and drawbacks of
such approaches as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), norepinephrine-dopamine
reuptake inhibitors (NDRIs). As a result, the current paper seeks to explore MDD’s
neurochemical mechanisms to contribute to the advancement of biological psychology.
The Role of Neurotransmitters in Major Depressive Disorder
Miranda L. Daniel
National University
PSYC 427 Biological Psychology
December 22, 2024
, 2
Abstract:
MDD refers to a severe mental disorder outlined by prolonged state of low mood,
anhedonia, and functional disability. The subsequent sections of this paper review the biological
factors of MDD mainly emphasizing on the neurotransmitter systems involving serotonin,
dopamine, and norepinephrine. In this essay, by reviewing articles available in modern scientific
databases, I expose a mechanism through which dysregulation of these neurotransmitter systems
is involved in the development and maintenance of depressive pathology. Also, it considers the
medications and pharmaceutical therapies generalizing about the effectiveness and drawbacks of
such approaches as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), norepinephrine-dopamine
reuptake inhibitors (NDRIs). As a result, the current paper seeks to explore MDD’s
neurochemical mechanisms to contribute to the advancement of biological psychology.
