serotonin vs norepinephrine - Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Message Board

son1981 · 02-27-2005, 02:06 PM

hello

From what i understand these are the 2 things we get from anti depresant drugs that are out there to treat mental illnesses. Is it true though for OCD and anxiety serotonin is the only one that works? while norepinphrine would only work for depression?

dgold · 02-27-2005, 06:31 PM

yes for OCD only serotonin at high doses seems to work for most people
Serotonin also is good for depression and anxiety.
Norepinephrine makes you more energetic and alert so in that way it helps with depression.
Norepinepine does nothing for OCD.
Dopamine seems to be more for Bipolar, Schziophrenia, autisms, tic disorder, violent moods. etc...

GatsbyLuvr1920 · 03-28-2005, 08:09 PM

Though serotonin and norepinephrine are both involved with mood, hence causing depression, serotonin is the neurotransmitter that causes OCD because it deals more with behavior as well. While my neuroscience is a bit rusty, I think that after serotonin is made from the amino acid tryptophan and enters the brain, it is directed towards the basal ganglia and other spots where OCD looms. Dopamine is associated with such mental illness as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder because it causes psychotic symptoms in too great amounts.
-GatsbyLuvr1920-