Naked Science Forum

Life Sciences => Physiology & Medicine => Topic started by: Graham on 16/10/2008 09:01:59

Title: What role does serotonin play in mood disorders?
Post by: Graham on 16/10/2008 09:01:59

Graham asked the Naked Scientists:

What happens when one's serotonin levels are unstable? I was told, and this happens to me, that I start experiencing panic attacks. I have been taking Ciprimal combined with Rivitrol but this seems to be effective for a very short period eg. approx 2 hours and then it seems to wear off.

Can you help?

What do you think?

Title: What role does serotonin play in mood disorders?
Post by: Chemistry4me on 25/12/2008 08:55:07

This neurotransmitter is present in many tissues, particularly blood platelets, the lining of the digestive tract, and the brain. Serotonin was first thought to be involved in high blood pressure because it is present in blood and induces a very powerful contraction of smooth muscles. In the brain, serotonin has been implicated in sleep, mood, depression, and anxiety. Because serotonin controls the different switches affecting various emotional states, scientists believe these switches can be manipulated by analogs, chemicals with molecular structures similar to that of serotonin. Drugs that alter serotonin’s action,such as fluoxetine (Prozac), have relieved symptoms of depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Title: What role does serotonin play in mood disorders?
Post by: DoctorBeaver on 25/12/2008 09:05:36

Cipramil is a SSRI (Selective Seratonin Re-uptake Inhibitor). This class of medication allows the level of seratonin to stay higher.

Rivotril (Clonazepam) is a benzodiazepine. These drugs are used to regulate the amount of GABA on the brain. GABA helps keep you calm and lack of it can cause anxiety. You're not an apileptic, are you?

Title: What role does serotonin play in mood disorders?
Post by: Chemistry4me on 25/12/2008 09:08:32

Most antidepressants affect norepinephrine or serotonin in the brain, apparently by correcting the abnormal signals that control mood, thoughts, and other sensations. The tricyclic antidepressants, such as imipramine, primarily block the reabsorption and inactivation of serotonin and norepinephrine to varying degrees. Another class of antidepressant medications is the monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). These agents inhibit monoamine oxidase,(an enzyme that breaks down serotonin and norepinephrine), allowing these chemicals to remain active.

Title: What role does serotonin play in mood disorders?
Post by: Chemistry4me on 25/12/2008 09:09:08

Thanks Doc.

Title: What role does serotonin play in mood disorders?
Post by: Chemistry4me on 25/12/2008 09:14:17

The SSRIs, the serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SSRNs), cognitive behavior therapy, or a combination of these are now the first-choice treatments of most anxiety disorders. Tricyclic antidepressants, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), and high-potency benzodiazepines are also effective for many of these disorders.

Title: What role does serotonin play in mood disorders?
Post by: DoctorBeaver on 25/12/2008 09:16:42

Tri-cyclics aren't used so much these days. The same is true of MAOIs as they can react with some foodstuffs and cause severe side-effects if taken with other medicines.

Title: What role does serotonin play in mood disorders?
Post by: DoctorBeaver on 25/12/2008 09:18:23

CBT would be my choice as I think medication should be a last resort except in some circumstances where it is obviously required immediately.

Title: Re: What role does serotonin play in mood disorders?
Post by: smart on 27/02/2016 20:57:21

Is hippocampal neurogenesis upregulated by serotonin/BDNF signaling? If so, does antidepressants increase neurogenesis?

 

Title: Re: What role does serotonin play in mood disorders?
Post by: chris on 28/02/2016 09:38:02

Yes; fluoxetine as well as certain neurotrophins including BDNF are linked to neurogenesis.

http://www.cell.com/neuron/fulltext/S0896-6273%2808%2900541-2