DIscussion question - Essay Example

Psychology Discussion questions Lithium is a mood stabilizer that serves to alter norepinephrine and serotonin neurotransmitters. The drug increases the chemical’s content in the brain. It modifies the synaptic transmission. It enhances the communication process to axon terminals and brain chemicals from the nerve impulses. A mood stabilizer is an agonist that mimics the effects of naturally occurring chemicals within the brains. The agonist tricks the brain by bridging the gap of the missing chemicals for it to communicate through nerve impulse.

The body then responds and behaves in a different way. It, therefore, regulates anxiety, decreases sadness, and improves concentration (John). Ambien is a hypnotic or sedative drug that affects chemicals in the brain. The chemicals may become unbalanced and result to sleep problems. Mental health providers should be keen on the drug as it can impair the reactions and thinking of victims. People who use the drug may engage in activities such as eating or driving, but will not have a recollection of having engaged in the activity.

The drug is habit forming and should only be used by the patient it was assigned or prescribed (“Drugs.com”). Serotonin, produced in the brain, is a neurotransmitter. It is responsible for the transmission of the brain’s nerve cells. It plays a role in controlling body functions such as sexual desire, mood, sleep, and behaviors. It has of late gained fame for its use in mental depression. Depression results from problems with serotonin production in the brain. Low production or failure of the brain to efficiently use it results to depression.

Depression occurs when new brain cells are suppressed. Antidepressant medications such as SSRIs boost the serotonin levels in the brain. The high levels allow production of new brains cells that result in alleviation of the depression (Bouchez).Works Cited“Drugs.com, ”"Ambien Uses, Dosage, Side Effects & Warnings - Drugs.com" Drugs.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 July 2014. .Bouchez, Colette. "Serotonin and Depression: 9 Questions and Answers." WebMD. WebMD, n.d. Web. 11 July 2014. .John, Aubri.

"The Effects of Psychotropic Drugs on the Human Brain" Live Strong 1 (2010): 2. Livestrong.com. Web. 13 July 2014.