An Anecdotal Overview on Psychological Effects of Receptor Activity

An Anecdotal Overview on Psychological Effects of Receptor Activity

An Anecdotal Overview on Psychological Effects of Receptor Activity

Roughly knowing how some receptors influence the mind and by correlating effects of medication and other substances over time, I experienced many combinations of these states and became increasingly aware of which receptor activity causes specific behavioral and psychological traits. I dont know enough to say whether the picture im drawing is accurate.

Dopamine

Anecdotal/Empirical Experiences

  • Dopamine signaling influences thought structure, reward, impulsive, and addictive behavior.
  • Increased D1 activity seems to increase impulsivity, though it’s hard to directly link to specific behaviors.
  • Increased limbic D2 activity feels like it speeds up thoughts, causing racing thoughts, paranoia, anxiety, and sometimes delusional thinking.
  • Prolonged high D2 activity in the mesolimbic pathway can lead to psychosis or schizophrenia-like symptoms.
  • Increased D3 activity intensifies craving, greed, compulsive, and drug-seeking behavior.
  • Blocking D2 activity with medications like Amisulpride can reduce psychotic symptoms, depending on dose and severity.

Theoretical/Broad Scientific Consensus

  • Dopamine is strongly linked to motivation, reward, and reinforcement learning.
  • Excess dopamine in certain brain areas is associated with psychosis, while low dopamine is linked to lack of motivation and motor symptoms (e.g., Parkinson’s disease).
  • D3 receptors are especially prominent in the limbic system and are associated with motivation, craving, and compulsive or drug-seeking behavior.
  • Dopamine antagonists (antipsychotics) are standard treatments for schizophrenia and related disorders.

Serotonin

Anecdotal/Empirical Experiences

  • Serotonin influences mood; higher levels make you feel calm and comfortable.
  • 5HT2A activation (e.g., by LSD or psilocin) alters perception and thought structure, and can sometimes cause panic or erratic thinking.
  • 5HT2C activation also contributes to psychedelic effects and may affect thought patterns.
  • 5HT3 seems to reduce erratic pain signaling.
  • 5HT1A might influence NMDA (glutamate) signaling.
  • 5HT4 (in the thorax) appears to boost cAMP levels.
  • Strong serotonin hyperactivity can induce psychosis, possibly through 5HT1A/2C.
  • Broad serotonin increases (like with SSRIs) usually elevate mood and create feelings of comfort and tranquility.

Theoretical/Broad Scientific Consensus

  • Serotonin is a key regulator of mood, anxiety, and perception.
  • 5HT2A activation is responsible for the psychedelic effects of drugs like LSD and psilocybin.
  • SSRIs (which increase serotonin) are widely used to treat depression and anxiety.
  • Excessive serotonin activity can contribute to serotonin syndrome, with symptoms including agitation, confusion, and hallucinations.

Norepinephrine (ADHD)

Anecdotal/Empirical Experiences

  • Norepinephrine helps people with ADD/ADHD feel more focused and productive, reducing chaotic and disorganized thought patterns.
  • High norepinephrine makes you alert and triggers a fight-or-flight response, especially if serotonin is low.

Theoretical/Broad Scientific Consensus

  • Norepinephrine is involved in attention, arousal, and stress response.
  • Medications that increase norepinephrine (like stimulants) are standard treatments for ADHD.
  • High norepinephrine levels are associated with increased alertness and anxiety.

Hypocretin (Orexin)

Anecdotal/Empirical Experiences

  • High hypocretin activity makes it impossible to fall asleep, even if you’re tired or other sleep-promoting systems are active.

Theoretical/Broad Scientific Consensus

  • Hypocretin (orexin) is essential for wakefulness and arousal.
  • Deficiency in hypocretin leads to narcolepsy; excess activity is linked to insomnia and difficulty initiating sleep.

Histamine

Anecdotal/Empirical Experiences

  • Blocking histamine makes you feel tired and drowsy.

Theoretical/Broad Scientific Consensus

  • Histamine promotes wakefulness; antihistamines (H1 blockers) are sedating and commonly used as sleep aids.