The Benefits Of Serotonin

we have a hormone known as trypton that is a derivative of serotonin. When it

The cerebral cortex directs functions like speech, behavior, reactions, movement, thinking, and learning. In fact, some research suggests that bipolar disorder originates with problems with the thalamus, which links sensory input to good and bad feelings. The hippocampus also affects depression. It, like the amygdala, is part of the limbic system. It is vital in processing long-term memory. This section of the brain registers recurring fear. In people with clinical depression, the hippocampus is much smaller. Research suggests, even, that ongoing exposure to stress impairs the growth of nerve cells in this part of the brain. One of the most important jobs of the brain is to process senses, through neurons. Neurotransmitters are specific substances that help relay information to the brain. Scientists have identified many neurotransmitters that affect depression. A lack or excess of the neurotransmitters acetylcholine, serotonin, norepinephrine, dopamine, glutamate, lithium carbonate and gamma-aminobutyric acid are thought to contribute to depression. Acetylcholine is involved in learning and enhances memory. Serotonin helps regulate sleep, appetite, and mood, and inhibits pain. Research shows the idea that many depressed people have reduced levels of serotonin. Low levels of a byproduct of serotonin have been linked to a high risk for suicide. Norepinephrine is a neurotransmitter which constricts blood vessels and raises blood pressure. An excess in

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors are utilized for their ability to reversibly block the reuptake of serotonin in the synaptic cleft. In order to understand the importance of these drugs, it is crucial to review the various regions of the brains that are influenced by serotonin and the implications of impaired functioning. A dysfunction in the hypothalamus region of the brain might lead to weight or appetite changes. Sleep disturbances are characterized by a dysfunction in the hypothalamus as well, along with the thalamus, basal forebrain, and prefrontal cortex. Thoughts of suicide and perceived feelings of guilt or worthlessness are associated with a dysfunction in the brain regions connected to our emotional well-being, including the amygdala, ventromedial prefrontal cortex, and orbitofrontal cortex. Psychomotor agitation is linked

The belief is that antidepressants work by increasing levels of a group of chemicals in the brain called neurotransmitters. Certain neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and noradrenaline, can improve mood and emotion, although we do not yet fully understand this process

     Another effect of the lack of serotonine is he decreasing amount of dopamine. Dopamine is an important role in cardiovascular, renal,

Major depressive disorder is one of the most common mental disorders, with a 12-month prevalence of 6.7% of adults in the United States (NIMH). There is no definite etiology of depression, but several risk factors have been identified. Functional and structural changes in the brain have also been explored. The most common treatment for depression is the use of drugs that act on monoamine transmitters, including norepinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin. Decreases in these transmitters, especially serotonin, were hypothesized to play an important role in the cause of depression (Breedlove & Watson, 2013). The serotonin hypothesis led to the development of selective-serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which increase the amount of serotonin in the brain. Further research suggests that the serotonin hypothesis is not entirely accurate and the neurobiology of depression is much more complex. The “chemical imbalance” explanation of depression may not reflect the full range of causes and may be given greater credibility by patients and doctors than is supported by evidence based research.

The linkage of serotonin to depression has been known for the past five years. From numerous studies, the most concrete evidence of this connection is the decreased concentration of serotonin metabolites like 5-HIAA (5-hydroxyindole acetic acid) in the cerebrospinal fluid and brain tissues of depressed people. If depression, as suggested, is a result of decreased levels of serotonin in the brain, pharmaceutical agents that can reverse this effect should be helpful in treating depressed patients. Therefore, the primary targets of various antidepressant medications are serotonin transports of the brain. Since serotonin is activated when released by neurons into the synapse, antidepressants function at the synapse to enhance serotonin activity. Normally, serotonin's actions in the synapse are terminated by its being taken back into the neuron then releases it at which point "it is either recycled for reuse as a transmitter or broken down into its metabolic by products and transported out of the brain." As a result, antidepressants work to increase serotonin levels at the synapse by blocking serotonin reuptake (2).

Serotonin is found in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and the central nervous system (CNS). Serotonin in the CNS affects learning, appetite, mood, and sleep. In the GI, it is used to control appetite and digestion. A few feelings come as a result of serotonin, such as happiness, relaxation, and security. Low serotonin levels can cause depression, anxiety, and

Other clinical studies have implicated fluoxetine’s effects on serotonin neurotransmitters, based on the fact that serotonin is synthesized from the essential amino acid tryptophan. Patients taking fluoxetine who were in remission from major depression were given a special diet which was tryptophan-free. This rapidly decreased plasma serotonin levels, and after a short period of time (as little as 30 minutes) many of the patients began to have signs of specific depressive symptoms. Later, the reappearance of more general depressive symptoms were observed in a majority of the patients. Thus it was shown that fluoxetine has a profound effect on the neurotransmitter serotonin, and decreased

Exercise also helps to create a high content of other chemicals in the brain, such as dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin, all which regulate the body and brain in different ways (Collins). Serotonin livens a person’s mood, while also helping to regulate sleep, develop their memory and learning abilities, and create or maintain certain social behaviors (Bouchez). Increased levels of these chemicals help people with mental illnesses respond to stressful situations in a more acceptable fashion, helping them to transition back into normal society quicker.

• 5- HTP is a natural occurring amino acid which is sold over the counter for depression and even insomnia treatment. 5-HTP has been said to work by increasing the levels of serotonin in the brain. All though some double blind studies have suggested that 5-HTP may have some benefits, better clinical trials are needed to confirm the effectiveness of this amino acid for depression.5-HTP has been linked to cause heart valve damage as well as hypertension.

(3) While successful drug therapies which act on neurotransmitters in the brain imply that depression is a neurobiological condition (4), the fact that such medications do not help about 20 percent of depression-sufferers seems to show that not all depression is due to such imbalances. Rather, depression is not caused by one single factor; it is most often caused by many different things. Genetics, biochemical factors, medicines and alcohol, developmental and other external factors, and relationships, marriage and children all have effect on the development of clinical depression. (5) The strongest hypotheses on the pathways to depression are in decreases in the activity of specific neurotransmitters, or the overactivity of certain hormonal systems. (3)

(Speilman, 2006). It is believed that a balanced supply of serotonin keep people happy. A lack of serotonin has been associated with many negative emotions and behaviors. These include, but are not limited to depression, antisocial behavior, and anxiety. These disorders are caused by a defect in serotonin receptors. For example, the man with a loving family and good job can still be depressed. Though there is no external cause for the depression, an imbalance in his serotonin levels might be the explanation. There are many medications out there that can help with low serotonin levels. They block the receptors in the neurons, causing a buildup in serotonin. This increase helps the individual to feel happier. Now where a lack of serotonin is bad, too much is worse. Too much serotonin can cause serotonin syndrome. The symptoms include agitation, confusion, rapid heart rate, and possibly

Another imbalance that often causes biological depression is amine imbalance. Amines are the neurotransmitters that float in the synapse between two nerve cells in the brain (Smith 3). The key amines are serotonin and norepinephrine. When there is a decrease in the levels of these neurotransmitters, depression often occurs.

three groups.Monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) medicines block the monoamine oxidase enzyme (MAO) from destroying monoamine neurotransmitters, which allows them to accumulate, alleviating depression. Serotonin selective reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) medications block the serotonin reuptake pump, allowing the serotonin neurotransmitter to remain and accumulate in the receptor for longer. Speaking of serotonin specifically, depression has been related to a deficiency of the 5-hydroxytryptamine (serotonin) neurotransmitter as evidenced by the concentrations of the