Difference between revisions of "Serotonin"
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| − | '''Serotonin''' is a [[neurotransmitter]] found in the | + | '''Serotonin''' or '''5-Hydroxytryptamine''' (5-HT) is a biogenic amine [[neurotransmitter]] found in the central nervous system and the gastrointestinal tract. Serotonin is thought to play an important role in a number of physiological and psychological functions, including [[mood]], body temperature, sleep, and sexuality. It is posited that individuals deficient in serotonin are vulnerable to disorders such as [[depression]], [[Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder]], [[anxiety|anxiety disorders]], [[bipolar disorder]], [[irritable bowel syndrome]], ear infections, and [[migraine]]s. Consequently, medications that increase serotonergic activity in the brain are often used to treat these disorders. Examples include antidepressants such as [[monoamine oxidase inhibitors]] (MAOIs), [[Tricyclic anti-depressants]], and [[Selective-Serotonin-Reuptake-Inhibitors]] (SSRIs). |
[[Category:Human physiology]] | [[Category:Human physiology]] | ||
Revision as of 01:17, September 12, 2007
Serotonin or 5-Hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) is a biogenic amine neurotransmitter found in the central nervous system and the gastrointestinal tract. Serotonin is thought to play an important role in a number of physiological and psychological functions, including mood, body temperature, sleep, and sexuality. It is posited that individuals deficient in serotonin are vulnerable to disorders such as depression, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, irritable bowel syndrome, ear infections, and migraines. Consequently, medications that increase serotonergic activity in the brain are often used to treat these disorders. Examples include antidepressants such as monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), Tricyclic anti-depressants, and Selective-Serotonin-Reuptake-Inhibitors (SSRIs).