Serotonin deficiency: what is it?

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Serotonin deficiency is the condition that occurs when serotonin levels in the body are too low. Technically, serotonin is a neurotransmitter, a type of chemical responsible for carrying messages to different parts of the brain. Serotonin is created by the brain, but is stored primarily in the gastrointestinal tract and bloodstream. It is responsible for regulating mood, sleep, appetite, body temperature and libido.

When serotonin levels drop below normal, the person suffering from serotonin deficiency can experience psychological and emotional problems. These problems can include clinical depression, anxiety, worry, panic attacks, and even bipolar disorder. Serotonin deficiency can also cause inability to concentrate, fatigue, sleep and appetite changes, irritable bowel syndrome, constipation, bulimia and anorexia.

Serotonin deficiency can be caused by several factors. Some things that can cause low serotonin levels are lifestyle factors such as prolonged stress, a diet deficient in proteins and vitamins, and the use of medications that damage the nerve cells responsible for producing serotonin. Other factors, such as poor metabolism, hormonal changes, and genetic mutations are beyond a person’s control.

Doctors typically diagnose serotonin deficiency by evaluating the patient’s symptoms. They will typically also evaluate the effects of drugs that increase serotonin. If the patient exhibits several serotonin deficiency symptoms that improve when treated with drugs that increase serotonin levels, the patient is diagnosed as having serotonin deficiency.

Serotonin deficiencies are treated using several classes of drugs that increase serotonin. The two most popular are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), both of which work by preventing the brain from absorbing serotonin, thus leaving more serotonin available for the body to store and use. A third class is made up of monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). These are one of the oldest classes of drugs used to increase serotonin, but MAOIs are usually used as a last resort due to the negative side effects. MAOIs work by preventing monoamine oxidase from metabolizing serotonin, allowing more chemicals to remain in the body.

There are also some non-pharmaceutical ways to increase serotonin, although they may not increase serotonin enough to be effective in severe cases. Getting plenty of rest, exercise, and exposure to sunlight help raise and maintain serotonin levels. Eating balanced meals and including protein, B vitamins, calcium and magnesium as part of a regular diet can also help, as the body uses all of these substances to make serotonin. Avoiding alcohol, sugar, caffeine, and recreational drugs helps maintain serotonin levels and is also usually recommended for patients using medications to treat serotonin deficiency.

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