Neurotransmitters are chemicals in the brain that the body uses to help regulate physical and mental health functions. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter involved in many functions and has a significant role in emotion regulation, which can have an impact on several conditions. Abnormalities in serotonin can be treated with professional interventions and self-care.
- Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that regulates mood, sleep, and various physical functions.
- Serotonin impacts drug-taking behaviors, with certain drugs affecting serotonin receptors and contributing to addiction risks.
- Imbalances in serotonin levels can contribute to mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety.
What is serotonin?
Serotonin is a neurotransmitter, which is a chemical the brain uses to communicate between neurons, which are involved in sending messages around the brain and body. Serotonin plays a role in the regulation of several functions, including: [1]
- Mood
- Appetite
- Sleep
- Cognitive functioning
- Digestive health
- Healing
- Pain
- Libido
- Movement
When serotonin levels are too high or too low, this can contribute to various mental and physical health conditions. Often, these conditions can be treated with medications, therapy, and holistic approaches. [2]
Serotonin and addiction
Drug abuse and addiction are commonly associated with dopamine. Many drugs cause a dopamine release, which contributes to a feeling of euphoria or ‘high’ and reinforces use. Serotonin is also likely to contribute to drug-taking behaviors and addiction development. Many drugs, such as ecstasy and cocaine, cause a release of serotonin, also contributing to reinforcing effects. [3]
Serotonin is also linked to mood and impulsivity. Individuals with low serotonin levels might experience low mood and poor impulse control, which may contribute to harmful drug-taking behaviors and increase the risk of addiction. [4]
Serotonin and mental health
Serotonin is one of the most influential neurotransmitters in mood regulation. As such, it can have a significant impact on mental health. There is a great deal of research investigating the role of serotonin in the development of various mental health conditions, with varying opinions. [5][6]
The development of mental health conditions is often influenced by several factors, including neurotransmitter activity, genetics, physical health, experiences, and lifestyle. It is a widely held view that serotonin imbalances contribute significantly to mood disorders, particularly depression. [6][7]
Many of these conditions are treated with the use of medications that increase serotonin. This suggests that by managing the imbalance of serotonin, the symptoms of these conditions can be effectively treated, further reinforcing the idea that serotonin plays a role in their development. [6][7]
What conditions are caused by serotonin imbalance?
Serotonin imbalances can contribute to the development of several conditions, including: [2][5][6]
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Bipolar disorder
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Panic disorder
- Social anxiety disorder
- Eating disorders
- Sleep disorders
- Substance use disorders
How do substances affect serotonin receptors?
There are 14 serotonin receptors in the brain and scientists have attempted to study how each of them is blocked or activated by various substances. Research and understanding in this area is limited due to the difficulty of ascertaining this information. [8]
Medications that target serotonin, such as antidepressants, work by blocking serotonin reuptake receptors to prevent serotonin reuptake and therefore increase levels actively working in the brain. Different antidepressant medications affect different receptors and to different degrees. This contributes to the varying effects of the many antidepressant medications. [8][9]
Substances such as illicit drugs and alcohol also impact serotonin receptors. Different substances cause serotonergic responses in different parts of the brain, affecting different receptors. It is also believed that long-term substance use can change the way receptors respond over time. [4]
What is serotonin syndrome and what causes it?
Serotonin syndrome is a rare and potentially fatal condition that occurs when serotonin levels are too high. This involves serotonergic medications, such as antidepressants, and is most likely to occur when one of these medications is used in combination with another, as this can cause a dangerous increase in serotonin levels. [10]
Medications that can contribute to serotonin syndrome include: [1][10]
- Antidepressants, particularly monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
- Herbal medications such as St. John’s Wort
- Opioids
- Cough medications
- Anti-nausea medications
- Migraine medications
Illicit substances that increase serotonin include ecstasy, cocaine, and amphetamines. [4]
Serotonin syndrome can be dangerous and even fatal, so it should be treated immediately by a medical professional. Symptoms of serotonin syndrome include: [2][10]
- Fever
- Sweating
- Confusion
- Anxiety
- Restlessness
- Increased heart rate and blood pressure
- Nausea and vomiting
- Shaking
- Muscle stiffness
Serotonin vs. dopamine
Serotonin and dopamine are both neurotransmitters that impact mood and are involved in various mental health disorders. While both neurotransmitters can impact mental health, they have distinct and separate functions, such as: [4][11]
- Serotonin helps regulate mood, while dopamine is involved in the brain’s pleasure response.
- Serotonin impacts functions such as sleep and cognition and dopamine impacts movement and motivation.
- Serotonin helps digestion and suppresses hunger, while dopamine increases hunger.
- Serotonin is found mostly in the gut, while dopamine is found mostly in the brain.
- Imbalances in serotonin or dopamine can lead to the development of mental health conditions impacting mood, although the effect of each neurotransmitter on mental health symptoms will differ.
- Serotonin is often targeted with depression medications, while dopamine is less often involved in these treatments.
How to increase serotonin levels
Serotonin levels can be managed with the use of professional interventions and self-care techniques. Appropriate and necessary treatment will vary depending on the individual and their symptoms, so it can be beneficial to seek professional advice.
Medications
Medications can help regulate serotonin levels, particularly antidepressants. This includes: [2][7]
- SSRIs: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the most commonly prescribed antidepressant medications. They work by increasing the levels of serotonin in the brain, helping to improve mood and other depression symptoms.
- SNRIs: Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) are also widely prescribed antidepressants. Like SSRIs, they work by increasing the level of serotonin in the brain, but they also increase norepinephrine levels, so they can have slightly different effects and benefits.
Supplements
Some people may choose to utilize natural supplements to boost serotonin levels, rather than using medications. Supplements that may help increase serotonin include: [1][12]
- 5-HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan)
- L-tryptophan
- SAMe (S-adenosyl-L-methionine)
- St John’s wort
- Omega-3
Holistic Approaches
Holistic approaches to healthcare involve treating the person as a whole and aiming to improve overall health and well-being. With regard to increasing serotonin levels, this can include: [1][12][13]
- Diet: Serotonin is made from the amino acid tryptophan, which cannot be produced by the body and so is gathered through nutritional intake. Tryptophan is found in several foods, including various seeds and nuts, white meats, fish, cheese, milk, and egg whites. Also, eating a healthy diet improves general well-being, increasing energy levels, concentration, and sleep, which can also impact serotonin levels and mental well-being.
- Exercise: Exercise releases endorphins and tryptophan, which can help boost mood and increase serotonin levels. Additionally, exercising regularly can provide several physical and mental health benefits, such as improved fitness, sleep, interpersonal relationships, cognitive functioning, and immunity.
- Meditation: Meditation can help increase serotonin levels, while also contributing to reduced symptoms of stress and anxiety.
Light
Spending time in natural sunlight can help increase serotonin levels while increasing vitamin D and helping to regulate the sleep-wake cycle, thereby also improving sleep. [1]
Some people experience seasonal affective disorder (SAD), which occurs during the winter months and causes symptoms of depression. A common treatment for this is light therapy, which can be helpful when there is little natural sunlight. [1][14]
When to see a healthcare provider about your mental health
It is normal to experience good and bad days; everyone experiences sadness, worry, and stress. However, when these symptoms are persistent, problematic, or significantly impacting areas of life, such as daily functioning, sleep, or physical health, this may be cause for concern and could indicate a mental health condition. [1][5]
If you experience any of the following symptoms for several days or weeks, you may wish to consult with a professional for assessment and intervention: [15]
- Persistent low mood
- Inability to stop worrying about things
- Poor sleep, such as difficulty going to sleep or waking up a lot in the night
- Sleeping much more than usual and struggling to wake up in the mornings
- Loss of appetite and weight
- Eating significantly more than usual and gaining weight
- Difficulty concentrating on work or hobbies
- Feeling that you have no interest in previously enjoyable activities
- Thoughts or behaviors relating to harming yourself or wanting to end your life
It is important to note that no matter what you are dealing with, contact a medical professional as there are many ways to help you to deal with whatever you are facing.
-guide-detail.jpg?v=1728036834)
-(1)-guide-detail.jpg?v=1722502701)