Depletion of noradrenaline in the brain has been shown to cause a decrease in drive and motivation, and may be linked to depression.

A small area in the brainstem consisting of a pair of identical nuclei (clusters of neurons) in the pons from which all brain connections using noradrenaline arise. It appears to be involved in attention and mental focus.
A catecholamine neurotransmitter (catecholamine means that a substance belongs to a group of compounds containing ceratin structural characteristics, such as a catechol nucleus and an amine group), like dopamine. Cell bodies that contain noradrenaline are found in the pons and medulla, and these project neurons to the hypothalamus, thalamus, limbic system and cerebral cortex. These neurons are particularly important in controlling sleep patterns. Depletion of noradrenaline in the brain has been shown to cause a decrease in drive and motivation, and may be linked to depression.