The role of serotonin
Serotonin, the feel-good hormone, can be found in the brain and in the body. In the brain, it regulates mood and produces feelings of wellbeing and happiness. At the right level, it can make you more focused, happier and emotionally stable. It is also associated with memory and learning, impulsivity, sexual behaviour and motor function. Serotonin also helps with sleeping, eating, healing wounds, maintaining bone health and digestion, and the growth of new brain cells. Too little serotonin may lead to depression and anxiety.
Serotonin in depression and anxiety
People with depression have problems with the brain’s 5HT (a serotonin receptor) system, resulting in reduced levels of serotonin availability in the brain and body. This leads to poor sleep and appetite, decreased sexual drive, poor tolerance to negative thoughts and other depressive symptoms. After long-term anti-depressant treatment, the 5HT system shows increased activity, ie producing more serotonin.
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