The Chemistry of Happiness

Introduction

I have chosen the chemistry of happiness. I thought I might learn something helpful. Why try to reword something that’s already been so beautifully said? "Each of us- in the face of all our daily struggles- has the choice. Are we going to become bitter, are we going to become callous, are we going to become mean? Or are we going to make the incredibly difficult choice to remain open to others, to remain open to love."

Composition of ...

The chemistry of happiness is simply the chemicals in our bodies that alter our moods. Neurotransmitters in our brains allow us to feel emotions such as happiness. Enzymes break down certain chemicals which result in us feeling sad.

Main Chemicals, Compounds, Components

Happiness:

Serotonin- C10H12N2O
Dopamine- C6H3(OH)2-CH2-CH2-NH2
Norepinephrine- C8H11NO3

Depression (Monoamine Oxidase):

Flavin- C14H14N3+
Adenosine- C10H13N5O4

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide- C21H29N7O14P2

Background Research

Happiness: Serotonin eases tension. Dopamine and norepinephrine allow us to think and act more quickly. Food increases the level of these chemicals in our brain. Complex carbohydrates increase serotonin and proteins increase dopamine and norepinephrine.

Depression: People who are depressed have a higher level of monoamine oxidase, which is an enzyme that breaks down chemicals like serotonin. People with depression, on average, have 34% higher levels of monoamine oxidase (MAO) than normal people. Monoamine oxidase is made up of flavin, adenosine, and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide. It is closely linked with depression which is the fourth leading cause of death and disability.

Resources

http://www.wcmhar.org/tch.html

Initial research. What chemicals in our brain give us happiness

http://www.chemistrydaily.com/chemistry/Seratonin

Chemical formula for seratonin

http://psychcentral.com/news/2006/11/09/depressions-chemical-imbalance-explained/398.html

What causes depression

http://www.news-medical.net/health/Dopamine-Biochemistry.aspx

Chemical makeup of dopamine

http://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/summary/summary.cgi?cid=439260

Chemical formula of Norepinephrine

http://www.acnp.org/g4/gn401000046/ch046.html