Therapy options

The assumption that a lack of serotonin can be increased by the administration of this hormone is not correct. However, there are drugs that influence serotonin levels through various mechanisms. Various antidepressants are used in the treatment of depression.

It is important to know that serotonin, as a messenger substance between nerve cells in the brain, in the so-called synaptic cleft, promotes the transmission of certain information. So-called SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors), for example, ensure that the concentration of serotonin in the synaptic cleft remains elevated because the hormone is only reabsorbed with a time delay. Other antidepressants, so-called MAO inhibitors, ensure that the enzyme that breaks down serotonin in the human body is inhibited and thus remains available for longer. The class of tricyclic antidepressants inhibits the serotonin transporter, which also causes the serotonin concentration to increase.

Duration of a serotonin deficiency

There is no typical duration at a reduced concentration of serotonin. Since it is difficult to diagnose a serotonin deficiency, it may take a while before it is detected and treated. The concentration of serotonin in the human body is dependent on various factors such as sporting activity, diet and social environment and can therefore be quickly increased again naturally.

Depression due to serotonin deficiency

Since serotonin plays a role in the processing of emotions, a serotonin deficiency can be associated with depression. It is important to note, however, that this hypothesis is still highly controversial today, as there are both studies that suggest a serotonin deficiency as the cause of depression and studies that argue against it. In one of the studies, it could be shown, among other things, that an artificially induced serotonin deficiency often led to depression.

The fact is that serotonin plays an important role in triggering feelings of happiness and good mood. If a depression occurs due to a physical illness, it is called somatogenic depression. Serotonin serves as a messenger substance for communication between nerve cells in the brain. It provides for emotional states that are characterized by contentment and a good mood. These are achieved by simultaneously suppressing other feelings, such as fears, bad mood and anger in the form of aggressiveness.