Deficiency of serotonin
All content is checked by medical journalists.Serotonin deficiency means a reduced concentration of the messenger substance serotonin in the body. It can be determined primarily by measuring the main breakdown product of serotonin, hydroxyindole acetic acid. If the patient has symptoms, a serotonin deficiency must be corrected. Read here which symptoms can occur, which diseases are associated with low serotonin levels and how serotonin can be increased.
Serotonin Deficiency: Cause
If substances that are involved in the production of serotonin are disturbed in their function, there is a serotonin deficiency. The formation of the messenger substance is impaired, for example, in the event of long-term stress, a lack of vitamin B6 or cancer. Chronic infections and autoimmune diseases can also disrupt the serotonin balance in our body.
Serotonin Deficiency: Symptoms
Possible symptoms that can occur with a serotonin deficiency are:
- Loss of drive and increased tiredness
- increased irritability
- Bad mood
- increased anxiety
- increased pain perception
It is also believed that a lowered serotonin level is involved in the development of irritable bowel syndrome.
Serotonin deficiency and mental illness
For several years researchers have been discussing the role of serotonin in the development of depression. In some studies, decreased levels of the neurotransmitter were found in depressed patients. Accordingly, a possible therapy for this disease is the use of drugs that interfere with the serotonin metabolism (SSRIs: see below). Anxiety disorders associated with a serotonin deficiency are also successfully treated with such drugs.
Compensate for serotonin deficiency: medication
If the doctor wants to increase serotonin, he can administer drugs that actively intervene in the neurotransmitter metabolism: the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (serotonin reuptake inhibitors, SSRIs). As the name suggests, they inhibit the reuptake of serotonin into the storage vesicles and so can increase the amount of serotonin released. This allows it to develop its effect as a messenger substance for longer.
Often, patients are also prescribed serotonin reuptake inhibitors, which additionally inhibit the withdrawal of noradrenaline (also a neurotransmitter) (SSNRIs).
Well-known active ingredients of the SSRI group are, for example, citalopram, paroxetine and fluoxetine. Representatives of the SSNRI group are venlafaxine and duloxetine. Common side effects of these drugs are restlessness, headache, and nausea.
MAOIs: what is it?
In the past, so-called MAOIs were often prescribed for depression: They block monoamine oxidase, an important enzyme that controls the breakdown of serotonin. Since the MAO representative tranylcypromine can cause severe side effects, nowadays people tend to resort to other active ingredients.
Increase Serotonin Levels - Without Medication?
Some patients want to make up for their serotonin deficiency without resorting to medication. However, if there is a serious mental illness, one should conscientiously take the medication prescribed by the doctor. In a supportive way, you can positively influence your mood with non-drug measures, for example with regular exercise.
Tags: pregnancy hair foot care
