Which neurotransmitter's excess can be linked to stress-induced symptoms?

The neurotransmitter associated with stress-induced symptoms is norepinephrine. Norepinephrine plays a critical role in the body's stress response by activating the "fight or flight" mechanism. When an individual is under stress, there is typically an increase in norepinephrine release, which can lead to various physiological and psychological symptoms such as heightened alertness, anxiety, and mood disturbances. This heightened state can be beneficial in the short term for survival, but chronic excess can contribute to stress-related disorders, such as anxiety disorders and depression.

In contrast, serotonin primarily regulates mood, sleep, and appetite and is often associated with feelings of well-being. Acetylcholine is involved in attention and arousal but is not primarily linked to the stress response in the same way norepinephrine is. Dopamine is related to reward and pleasure pathways and can influence mood but does not have the same direct connection to stress-induced symptoms as norepinephrine does. Thus, the link between norepinephrine and stress symptoms is well-established in both clinical and physiological literature.