Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a mental disorder that affects the behavior of people with inattention and hyperactivity. It is one of the most common childhood conditions and can persist into adulthood. ADHD occurs when there is an imbalance in the levels of dopamine, a chemical in the brain. This can make it difficult…
The brain reward system or mesocorticolimbic circuit is a brain circuit that controls addictive behaviors, mood, feeding behaviors, positive emotions (e.g., pleasure), and learning [1]. 1. What Activates the Reward System? The reward system is activated every time we experience something rewarding. For instance, the reward system is triggered when eating something we really enjoy…
Antiemetics are drugs used to prevent or treat nausea and vomiting due to multiple causes. Based on their mechanism of action, the most common antiemetics are classified as follows [1]: 1. What Are Dopamine Antagonists? Dopamine antagonists are drugs that block the D2 dopamine receptor in the brain and gastrointestinal neurons by preventing dopamine binding…
Restless leg syndrome (RLS) or Willis-Ekbom disease is a neurological disorder characterized by an irresistible urge to move the legs due to itching, throbbing, and uncomfortable sensations. RLS is a common disease that affects about 10% of the general population [1]. 1. What Is the Main Cause of Restless Leg Syndrome? Although the cause is…
A delusion is a psychotic disorder where an individual has a fixed belief in an incorrect perception of reality. The most common delusions are: The risk of delusional disorder in the general population is estimated between 0.05% to 0.1% and affects individuals from the age of 18 years to 90 years [1]. The persecutory and…
Neurotransmitters are messengers that transmit specific chemical instructions from a neuron to another neuron and from neurons to tissues and organs. The 7 major neurotransmitters are: Neurotransmitters are produced by neurons and released in gaps that are found between neurons and between neurons and organs. These junctions are known as synapses. When neurotransmitters are released…
