Dr. S. White is currently working with seven patients. Each patient has abnormally high production of a neurotransmitter, and for each patient, it is a different neurotransmitter that is affected. Dr. White wants to write up her research using nicknames to hide the true identities of her patients. Choose an appropriate nickname for each patient. Be sure to explain why the nickname is appropriate, as well as the symptoms one would expect to see in that patient.

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

The nicknames for Dr. S. White's patients could be the following:Happy. Happy has high dopamine production. Dopamine is related to pleasure. It is also related to hallucinations and delusions. Happy may very well suffer from schizophrenia.Zippy. Zippy has high norepinephrine production. Norepinephrine is related to energy. It is also related to anxiety and panic attacks. Zippy is probably getting treatment for stress and anxiety.Boozer. Boozer looks like he's drunk because he has high amounts of GABA. GABA is the major inhibitory neurotransmitter. Boozer needs to be watched carefully because he may pass out.Coolie. Coolie has high levels of serotonin. High serotonin is related to relaxation and emotional wellness. Coolie is probably in Dr. White's care because he feels so little anxiety he may take great risks or be involved in illegal activity that would make most people very nervous.The Professor. The Professor has high levels of glutamate. Glutamate is the major excitatory neurotransmitter and is related to learning and memory. The Professor is probably being watched carefully by Dr. White because too much glutamate can overexcite neurons to the points where they are destroyed.Poppy. Poppy has high amounts of endorphins. Endorphins act like opiates, which come from opium (poppy seeds!). Poppy is probably numb to pain and feels pretty good. He needs to be watched carefully because he could lose consciousness and possibly die if levels get too high.Pokey. Pokey has high acetylcholine, which is related to the parasympathetic nervous system. Pokey would just hang out, rest, and digest his food. His lack of energy and inability to properly react to stressful situations would explain why he is being seen by Dr. White.