| Serotonin | |||||
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Serotonin is a monoamine neurotransmitter used in the central nervous system to regulate various processes in the body:
- Appetite (indicates hunger and fullness)
- Gastrointestinal functions
- Mood
- Pain perception
- Sexuality
- Sleep
Serotonin is known as the neurotransmitter that helps you feel happy!
- The essential amino acid tryptophan is required to enable synthesis of serotonin in the body
- Low serotonin levels are generally responsible for a whole range of mood disorders
- There is serotonin is in the brain, the pineal gland, the blood platelets and the digestive tract
- Serotonin also causes blood vessels to narrow
- Migraine is known to be caused by serotonin levels being unbalanaced
- Serotonin is also considered a hormone too
Low serotonin levels are responsible for a whole range of mood disorders:
- Anxiety disorder
- Bipolar disorder
- Depression
- Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)
Anti-depressants are made to help the body re-use serotonin, thereby increasing serotonin levels and assisting with the mood disorders they are prescribed for.
High serotonin levels can be potentially dangerous and life-threatening condition. High serotonin levels are called "serotonin syndrome". It happens when there are really excess levels of serotonin in the central nervous system.
Serotonin syndrome can be caused by a variety of factors:
- High doses of serotonergenic drugs - these are drugs with serotonin
- Combining more than one serotonergic drug
- Switching anti-depressants without allowing for an adequate time period in between
Serotonin syndrome must be medically diagnosed based upon a list of symptoms, as there is no test for this condition.
references
- Isbister GK, Buckley NA, Whyte IM. Serotonin toxicity: a practical approach to diagnosis and treatment. MJA 2007; 187 (6): 361-365, accessed 30 Sep 07
- Marieb EM, Hoehn K. Human Anatomy & Physiology. 7th edition, 2006. Benjamin Cummings Publishing
- Tortora GJ, Derrickson BH. Principles of Anatomy & Physiology. 11th edition, 2005. Wiley Publishing
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