Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 4

Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that plays a crucial role in mood regulation, and its involvement in depression is well-supported by scientific research. The "serotonin hypothesis" of depression suggests that reduced levels or impaired functioning of serotonin in the brain is associated with the development of depressive symptoms. This theory is supported by the effectiveness of medications known as Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs), which increase the availability of serotonin in the synaptic cleft. Numerous clinical trials and meta-analyses have demonstrated that SSRIs can alleviate depressive symptoms in many patients, though not all individuals respond, and the effect sizes can vary.

It is important to note that serotonin itself is not administered directly as a treatment for depression; rather, drugs that impact serotonin signaling are used. Direct supplementation with serotonin is ineffective because serotonin does not cross the blood-brain barrier. However, manipulating serotonin levels in the brain through pharmacological agents, such as SSRIs or serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), is a mainstay of modern depression treatment. The scientific evidence supporting the role of serotonin in depression is robust, though the full pathophysiology of depression is complex and involves multiple neurotransmitters and systems.

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