What
is Serotonin?
Bethany Jordin - 1/25/2009
-
What is Serotonin And What Does it Have To Do With My...
Are you asking yourself the question: what is serotonin and what does it have to do with my “____” (insert
depression, anxiety, panic attacks, bulimia, post traumatic stress disorder, and countless other conditions to fill
in the blank)? You are not alone. There is a long and a short answer. Hopefully, this article will serve to answer
your questions and give you some peace of mind about your condition and how common treatments that impact serotonin
may or may not be what you are comfortable with.
So, what is serotonin? The short answer anyway, is that serotonin is a chemical in the brain that sends signals
from one part of the brain to another. It is commonly referred to as a neurotransmitter. This particular
neurotransmitter has an important part to play in the regulation of anger, mood, body temperature, sexuality,
appetite, metabolism, aggression, and sleep.
As a result, serotonin has broad implications in the treatment of anxiety, depression, and many compulsions. To
balance the chemicals within the brain and effectively treat many of the conditions that come about as a result of
an imbalance of serotonin, one of the most effective depression and anxiety treatments is what is known as an SSRI.
This stands for selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. SSRIs are preferred over some of the standard treatments
for depression because they trigger fewer side effects and possible interactions.
An MAOI, monoamine oxidase inhibitor works to prevent monoamine neurotransmitters, of which serotonin is included,
from breaking down. This is not the most popular treatment though because MAOIs trigger so many drug reactions when
taken with other medications and some associated with foods. MAOIs are effective treatments for depression but the
risks and side effects of these medications make them less attractive to patients and many physicians-especially
with other options available.
Don't dwell on the question of what is serotonin. Instead, learn what it can mean for your specific condition and
how it can impact your mental health and wellbeing. Adjusting the concentration of serotonin in the brain through
SSRIs and MAOIs can greatly improve the quality of your life and your reaction to the world around you.
Whether you suffer from panic attacks brought on by uncomfortable situations, depression, or any of countless
conditions that are impacted by serotonin, you should be aware that there are solutions that go beyond prescription
medications for treatment. If you are uncomfortable with some of the prescription options, be sure to consult your
physician about herbal or natural remedies that are highly effective mood enhancers that can help you work through
your condition and live a life without the struggles of depression, anxiety, and compulsions. You deserve the best
life you can have and now you can get that life without the need for prescription medications and the potentially
harmful side effects that go along with them.
About the author:
Bethany Jordin is an Information Technology professional and aspiring writer who was clinically diagnosed with SAD
(Social Anxiety Disorder) in 2007.
Source: http://www.naturalantidepressants.info
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