Serotonin

• Serotonin

  • inhibitory neurotransmitter; mood perception, anger etc.
• Serotonin Pathway

  • shows where serotonin is produced and how it gets around; mood, sleep, aggression etc.
• Balanced Serotonin - calm, focused and stable

  Unbalanced - impaired ability to regulate mood
• We are unsure if serotonin has cause in difficulties in mood regulation
• Low levels of Serotonin

  • disruption of sleep patterns
  • reduces sleep pressure
• Sleep Pressure - feeling that pushes you to go to sleep
• Impulsivity - whether or not we take short term rewards in order to achieve long term rewards

  • low serotonin levels lead to an increased impulsivity behaviours
• Aggression - outward expression of anger intended to cause harm or injury

  • low serotonin results in higher aggression
• Gut Brain Axis

  • 90% of Serotonin is found in Gastrointestinal tract; regulates bowel function and reduces appetite