Serotonin is the synaptic transmitter in SYMPTOMS

a group of cells in the brain stem. It has

axons spread throughout the brain into
the cortex, the cerebellum and the
spinal cord. Low levels of serotonin
result in fewer nerve impulses travelling
around the brain, suppressing the
overall brain activity.
Intense feelings of sadness and guilt.
Difficulty in initiating actions and making decisions.
Loss of energy or restlessness.
Disturbance of sleep.
Irrational hopelessness.
Frequent negative thoughts, low self-esteem.

GENETICS AND DEPRESSION

Scientists have found a gene (5-HTT) which

CAUSES
Depression occurs due to problems with
serotonin in the brain. It can be triggered as a
result of external factors such as relationship
stress or bereavement, or can be purely the
result of chemical changes in the brain.
Dopamine and noradrenalin may also play a
role.
TREATMENT
DEPRESSION
Depression is an affective disorder. The causes of
depression are complex and not fully understood.
appears to be linked to the production of
serotonin in the brain. The gene codes for a
reuptake protein that enables serotonin to be
taken back into the presynaptic membrane after
release into the synapse.
People who are homozygous for the short form
seem most likely to experience depression after
experiencing stressful events. Heterozygotes have
an immediate risk and those homozygous for the
long form have a very low risk of depression.
People who have homozygote long forms produce
more reuptake proteins than heterozygotes who
produce more than homozygous short forms.

Talking therapies can help a patient to come to terms with adverse life events QUESTIONS
Use of drugs SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) inhibit the reuptake proteins
in the presynaptic membrane, so that more serotonin remains in the synaptic cleft, more 1. What is the function of serotonin?
2. What effect does low serotonin levels have on the brain?
impulses travel along the post-synaptic axon to relieve the symptoms.
3. How does MAOB help sufferers of depression?
Neurotransmitters Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) increase the levels of serotonin and 4. Which is the most successful treatment for depression and why?
noradrenalin in the brain. Monoaminoxidase inhibitors inhibit the enzymes which usually 5. Why is it difficult to determine the causes of depression?
cause the breakdown of neurotransmitters in the synapses of the brain.

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