Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that helps different parts of the brain communicate with each other. A neurotransmitter is a chemical substance that transmits nerve impulses across the space between nerve cells or neurons; these spaces are called synapses. Though serotonin is only produced in the brain, it can be found throughout the rest of the body. It regulates mental health and usually controls various behaviors, such as eating, sexual desire, pain levels, sleep patterns, and aggression. It plays a key role in emotional well-being, too.

Serotonin levels may influence the mood in a way that leads to depression. Possible problems include low brain cell production of serotonin, a lack of receptor sites able to receive the serotonin, inability of serotonin to reach receptor sites, or a shortage in tryptophan, the chemical from which serotonin is made. If one of these biochemical issues occurs, then the possible outcome could be depression as well as obsessive-compulsive disorder, anxiety, panic, and excess anger.

Although it’s widely believed that a serotonin deficiency plays a role in depression, there is no way to measure its levels in the brain; therefore, no studies have proved that brain levels of serotonin or any neurotransmitter are in short supply when depression or mental illness develops. It may possibly be the reverse—depression leading to issues with the proper development of serotonin in the brain. Antidepressant medications that affect serotonin levels are believed to reduce the symptoms of depression; however, the effectiveness of antidepressants is still being researched.

If you have symptoms of depression, such as a sudden feeling of hopelessness or the lack of desire to do the things you once enjoyed, don’t hesitate to seek assistance from Solace Counseling. We’re here to help and can put you on a road to recovery. For more information, check us out on Facebook and Twitter.