Serotonin. the good mood neurotransmitter

Serotonin is one of the best known and most studied neurotransmitters, often colloquially referred to as the "happiness hormone" due to its profound influence on mood and general well-being.

This chemical, which transmits information between neurons, plays a crucial role in multiple bodily and psychological functions.

Main Functions of Serotonin

Serotonin dramatically influences good mood and general mood regulation.

Adequate levels of serotonin are associated with feelings of joy, calmness and satisfaction.

In addition to its impact on mood, serotonin is involved in appetite regulation, promoting satiety and helping to control food intake.

It also contributes to healthy digestion and is essential for regulating sleep cycles, ensuring restful sleep.

Other important functions include its role in memory, learning, desire and sexual functioning.

Serotonin and Depression

There is a close relationship between serotonin levels and depression. It has been observed that people suffering from depression often have low levels or deficient activity of this neurotransmitter in the brain and body.

This deficiency may explain many of the characteristic symptoms of depression, such as a lack of desire to eat or, conversely, an increased appetite, sleep disturbances (insomnia or hypersomnia), disinterest in pleasurable activities, including sexual activity, and a general feeling of apathy and listlessness.

In fact, many antidepressant medications, such as Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs), work precisely by increasing the availabi