Serotonin

The central nervous system produces the chemical messenger neurotransmitter serotonin (CNS). 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), the scientific name for serotonin, is an amino acid-containing monoamine neurotransmitter. Psychologists are interested in serotonin because of how it affects mood, emotions, and feelings.

Low serotonin levels are directly linked to mood disorders like depression since this neurotransmitter is necessary for experiencing happiness.

Additionally, serotonin can affect a variety of behavioral elements, including memory, attention, reward, and anger. As it activates the areas of the brain that regulate sleep and wakefulness, it may also play a function in sleep.

Dopamine

Similar to serotonin, dopamine is a neurotransmitter that is found in the central nervous system (CNS) and is a monoamine neurotransmitter, meaning that it is formed from amino acids. Dopamine has a variety of effects because it is both an excitatory and an inhibitory neurotransmitter.

Dopamine is generally linked to pleasurable emotions, such as the satisfaction that comes from accomplishing a task. Along with being crucial for movement, it also affects feelings of motivation, sleep, attention, and memory.

Dopamine has a reward system that contributes to a happy mood and increased motivation.

Serotonin and Dopamine

Neurotransmitters communicate with one another in some way, despite the fact that serotonin and dopamine function differently and work in distinct ways.

To keep the body's chemical balance, serotonin and dopamine work together. Dopamine and serotonin have different effects on hunger. Low amounts of dopamine can increase hunger, whilst serotonin can inhibit it.

Dopaminergic neuronal bodies and terminals have been discovered to be regulated by serotonin in anatomical studies, and they also receive abundant projections from serotonin neurons. The functional regulation of serotonin over dopaminergic activities in the neural network appears to be promoted by these strong neuronal connections.

For instance, the 5HT2 serotonin receptor appears to reduce dopaminergic function, whereas 5HT2 receptor antagonists work to reverse this effect.

Dopamine and serotonin interactions may offer a foundation for comprehending the mechanics underlying some of the impulsive violent behaviors that people exhibit. Serotonin is hypothesized to work as a functional regulator of dopaminergic systems, hence defects in serotonin functions may cause the dopamine system to become overactive and encourage impulsive behavior.

While serotonin tends to be more important in how emotions are processed, which can affect an individual's overall mood, dopamine may be associated with experiencing some depressive symptoms.

It's plausible that the Raphe nuclei aren't producing enough serotonin, which would explain depression in terms of serotonin.

Another is that the postsynaptic neuron's serotonin receptors aren't functioning properly, which prevents serotonin from binding to them. Serotonin may also be being reabsorbed into the presynaptic neuron after being released into the synaptic cleft or the monoamine oxidase enzyme may be destroying too much of it.

A shortage of serotonin in the brain and subsequent mood changes can result from any of these dysfunctions.

One or more of the following signs may be present in someone who has abnormal serotonin levels:

• Low mood
• Anxiety
• Aggression
• Low self-esteem
• Irritability
• Memory problems
• Poor appetite
• Sleep problems
• Impulsivity

Serotonin is hypothesized to play a role in anxiety-related illnesses. Studies especially point to a link between diminished serotonin binding to postsynaptic neuron receptors and social anxiety disorder (SAD).

However, it has also been proposed that a hyperactive presynaptic serotonin system is a feature of neurotransmission in SAD.

Another anxiety disease that may be partially explained by serotonin deficiency is obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), particularly the symptoms of OCD that revolve around intrusive anxious thoughts.

Serotonin binding to receptors is also reported to be lower in OCD patients. Low serotonin levels are common in people with schizophrenia diagnoses.

People who have this illness may have odd, illogical thoughts, which can lead to the development of delusions. Serotonin syndrome is a disorder that can happen when there is too much serotonin in the body. Typically, this happens as a result of taking drugs that were intended to raise low levels of serotonin at a high dosage.

High heart rates, restlessness, and headaches are some of the signs of serotonin syndrome, however in some situations; untreated cases can lead to seizures, coma, or even death.

One or more of the following signs may be present in someone who has dopamine neurotransmitter abnormalities:

• Aches and pains
• Muscle cramps
• Weight loss or weight gain
• Loss of balance
• Fatigue
• Low energy
• Low self-esteem
• Disturbed sleep
• Feeling demotivated
• Inability to focus
• Mood swings
• Delusions
• Hallucinations

Schizophrenia is a prevalent illness that is thought to be influenced by dopamine. Hallucinations and delusions are two positive signs of schizophrenia that are hypothesized to be related to high dopamine levels.

Dopamine abnormalities in the mesolimbic and prefrontal regions of the brain have been discovered in people with schizophrenia. Hallucinations and delusions may be experienced as a result of the hyperactive dopamine systems in these regions.

Parkinson's disease is another disorder that has been linked to dopamine levels. Low dopamine levels can create disturbances in movement and may ultimately be a cause of movement disorders likes Parkinson's disease because dopamine can play a role in sending instructions to brain regions that control movement and coordination.

Both vital neurotransmitters dopamine and serotonin cause similar emotions, notably those associated with happiness and good moods. They appear to be able to inhibit one another as well as function together to counteract various biological effects.

Despite having the same sentiments, they have different effects. Serotonin is primarily engaged with happiness and mood, whereas dopamine is mostly linked to reward and motivation.

If you are having any of the above symptoms, seek online consultation, and get benefitted by discussing freely your concerns with an Online Counsellor or the best “Psychologist near me” of your choice. You can connect with the Best Psychologists in India, counsellors, psychologists, and Online Psychiatrists at TalktoAngel No1 India’s online wellness platform with just one click, who can help you handle your mental health difficulties and take care of your mental health on your own.

Contributions by: Dr (Prof) R K Suri, Clinical Psychologist & Life Coach & Ms. Aditi Bhardwaj