What Happens If You Don't Have Enough Serotonin?

Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that regulates many parts of the brain through pathways in the brain. Serotonin is used regulate transmissions in many brain regulated functions of the musculoskeletal system, the cardiovascular system and the endocrine system. Serotonin directly or indirectly affects nearly all cells in the brain and is related to functions such as the mood, sexual desire, memory, appetite, sleep behaviors and even social behavior.

Mild Effects

• Decreased serotonin levels in the brain can cause a wide range of symptoms both physical and mental, and they are not always severe. Many physicians today believe stress is a main perpetrator of decreased serotonin levels, and low serotonin levels are also thought to be a cause of additional stress. Decreased serotonin levels can cause mild physical and mental symptoms including irritability, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, sleeplessness and increased negative thoughts.

Recurrent Symptoms

• Physical symptoms of low serotonin levels include obesity, eating disorders, chronic pain and migraines. Mental effects of low serotonin can include insomnia, alcohol abuse, depression, anxiety and panic attacks. Behavioral effects of low serotonin can include low self-esteem, obsessive behavior or thoughts, and chronic negativity. If you experience these symptoms for a period extending a month or if symptoms increase to the point of concern, it is best to consult your family physician for medical advice.

Disorders

• Clinical depression is often linked to decreased serotonin levels. According to Barry Jones, a neuroscientist of Princeton, low serotonin levels can suppress the production of new brain cells. He also believes stress is the most important precursor to clinical depression. Other disorders linked to low serotonin levels include alcoholism, premenstrual syndrome, irritable bowel syndrome, fibromyalgia, Alzheimer's, chronic anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, bulimia and restless leg syndrome.

ADHD and SIDS

• Recent studies published in General Psychiatry and the Journal of Medical Association have linked serotonin decrease to two childhood diseases. A study published in October 2010 in the journal Archives of General Psychiatry linked low serotonin levels in the mother during pregnancy to the development of ADHD in the child. A study published in the Journal of Medical Association in February 2010 linked low serotonin levels to sudden infant death syndrome, or SIDS. Serotonin levels in the brain stems of SIDS babies were 27 percent lower than the levels found in infants who died of other causes.