Posted by woolav on August 16, 2004, at 8:06:37
In reply to Re: My story...any advice/help would be appreciated!, posted by woolav on August 16, 2004, at 8:06:10
Serotonin and its Role
Serotonin is another neurotransmitter, also know as feel-good neurotransmitter involved in the ability to resist impulses, plays a major role in emotional disorders such as depression, suicide, impulsive behavior, and aggression.
Serotonin is also involved in temperature regulation, sensory perception, and mood control.
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Neurons using serotonin as a neurotransmitter are found in the part of brain called midbrain, primarily in a cluster of cells called the pons. Tryptophan, an essential amino acid, is the precursor to Serotonin.
Low levels of Tryptophan have been documented in autistic children and in chronic pain caused from arthritis and lower back problems. It is thought that lower Serotonin levels have an effect on lowering the pain tolerance threshold. Some nutritionists recommend a high carbohydrate diet to increase Tryptophan metabolism, along with Vitamin B6. D-Phenylalanine is also recommended in some cases to enhance results.
Some recent studies found that Paroxetine, a drug sold under the brand name Paxil, belonging to a class of anti-depressant drugs known Selective Serotonin Re-uptake Inhibitors, or SSRIs, is believed to relieve symptoms of depression by increasing the availability of serotonin. The new findings suggest that this drug can also lead to changes in personality characteristics(4).
poster:woolav
thread:377966
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20040811/msgs/378183.html