Number of neurotransmitters  Neurotransmitters are chemicals capable of transmitting a signal from the pre-synaptic to the post synaptic neurone  Over 100 different neurotransmitters have been identified

Sympathetic and parasympathetic neurosystems  Sympathetic system known as ‘fight or flight’ in response to stressful situations  Parasympathetic system is known as ‘feed or breed’- relaxed  But both systems always active and controlled by autonomic (involuntary) nervous system

Parkinson’s disease  Occurs due to a deficiency of dopamine as a result of the death of dopamine producing cells  Initially most symptoms are physical and include tremor, slow movements and stiffness of muscles  Later psychological conditions can also be triggered by the disease including depression, insomnia and memory problems

Treatments for Parkinson’s  There is no cure for Parkinson’s and so all treatments focus on relieving symptoms and reducing the onset of the disease  Examples include physiotherapy to reduce muscle stiffness  Speech therapy to improve speech and swallowing

Depression  Defined as a persistent low mood and loss of enthusiasm for life  Symptoms include disturbed sleep, poor concentration and low self worth  Theory that it is a result of a deficiency of monoamine neurotransmitters including serotonin in the synaptic cleft  Common treatment selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or cognitive behavioural therapy

SSRI mechanism of action