Serotonin

A Powerful Neurotransmitter

By CJ Johnson

Within the human brain, there are many neurotransmitters that are responsible for regulating mood and bodily functions. Although each transmitter is vital, serotonin is one of the best known because of the many psychological and biological functions for which it is responsible.

Dr. Barbara S. Beltz, a professor of neuroscience at Wellesley College, Wellesley, Mass., explains that serotonin is involved with a wide range of functions such as appetite, mood, hormonal balance, sleep/wake cycles and alertness. "Alterations in serotonergic mechanisms are thought to be at least part of the clinical basis for depression, premenstrual syndrome, eating disorders and a variety of other problems," says Dr. Beltz. "Because of these wide-ranging associations with major clinical issues, serotonin is definitely one of the more well-studied neurotransmitters."

"Serotonin is what neuroscientists call a modulator," says Dr. Beltz. "It has widespread functions in 'setting the gain' of a variety of areas in the brain and nervous system. You can think of serotonin as a volume control in the brain and nervous system."

According to Dr. Beltz, other neurotransmitters allow communication between two neurons. Serotonin actually alters the efficiency and efficacy of communication between neurons that may use a variety of other chemicals as their primary neurotransmitter.

As it is with most neurotransmitters, there needs to be a balance in serotonin levels in order for this powerful substance to be processed properly. Excessive amounts of serotonin may cause relaxation, sedation and a decrease in sexual drive. Inadequate amounts of serotonin in the brain can amount to debilitating psychiatric conditions.

Sandi L. Young, chief executive officer of Directly Young, LLC, manufacturer and marketer of Serotab, a weight loss supplement, explains that deficient levels of serotonin have been implicated as a major cause of anxiety disorders, depression and obsessive-compulsive mood disorders. "Prescription medications such as Prozac and Zoloft indirectly raise serotonin levels at the receptor sites by preventing the body from reabsorbing the serotonin, allowing serotonin to go directly to the receptor site that is low in serotonin," she says. "This improves mood and well-being."

Want to see more?

• Depression: 10 Tips to Help You Cope
• Sweet Sabotage: Are Sugar Cravings Boosting Your Weight? Quiz
• A Vitamin a Day Keeps What Away? Quiz
• Talk about it!