Counselor Toolbox - Addiction, Counseling, And Mental Health Continuing Education | Recovery | Relationships | Clinical | Psy

### Outline Summary **Introduction** - Presenter: Dr. Dawn-Elise Snipes - Topic: Neurobiology of Depression - Audience: Counselors and social workers - Purpose: Understand neurotransmitters and hormones' impact on mood, causes of imbalance, and strategies for healing **Understanding Neurotransmitters and Hormones** - Neurotransmitters: Serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine, glutamate - Hormones: Testosterone, estrogen, thyroid hormones - Functions: Arousal, mood, motivation, sleep, energy, insulin regulation, inflammation, immunity **Causes of Neurotransmitter Imbalance** - Biological factors: Age, vitamin D deficiency, thyroid hormones, blood sugar levels - Sleep Apnea: Stress on the body and nervous system - Nootropics: Risks of imbalance - Physical and emotional stress: Trauma, chronic stress, pain, inflammation **Neurotransmitter Functioning** - Basic Neurobiology: Synaptic transmission process - Excitatory Chemicals: Response to distress and happiness - Functions of Hormones and Neurotransmitters: Invo