Norepinephrine is a neurotransmitter that plays a key role in the body's "fight or flight" response. It is produced in the adrenal glands and acts as both a hormone and a neurotransmitter in the brain.
A disorder involving norepinephrine could refer to either an excess or a deficiency of this neurotransmitter. Conditions such as anxiety disorders, depression, and certain types of ADHD have been linked to abnormalities in norepinephrine levels.
When norepinephrine is released in response to stress or danger, it increases heart rate, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels, preparing the body to react quickly to a perceived threat. It also enhances focus and alertness, helping to improve cognitive function in stressful situations.
Overall, norepinephrine plays a crucial role in regulating mood, attention, and arousal, and disruptions in its levels can have significant effects on mental and physical health. Treatment for disorders involving norepinephrine may involve medications that target the neurotransmitter system, such as selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (NRIs) or other antidepressants.