Okay, if you have a television or radio, you have probably heard references to things like “Serotonin” and “MAO inhibitors” in regards to depression. If you’re like me, you’re wondering just what in the world those things are.
I have always believed that depression is more than just being sad. I was told many years ago that clinical depression involves a chemical imbalance within the brain. I’ve even read books about it. But, I have to admit, every time I hear commercials about SSRIs, etc. – I feel pretty lost. So, I decided to do a little research.
According to wiki.answers.com, Serotonin is one of the many 'transmitter' chemicals that basically “helps” send information from one neuron to another. Serotonin can also do the following: Give us self-confidence or a feeling of safety and security; cause us to feel sleepy, and increase our appetites. It seems that an imbalance in serotonin levels may influence mood in a way that leads to depression.
The medications on the market right now that regulate the serotonin level are not just limited to changing our self-confidence – if one part of the serotonin is affected, all parts are. That’s why the medications can cause drowsiness and affect our appetites, too. Plus, serotonin is found in our gastrointestinal tracts – it helps with digestion. That explains why these medications can cause stomach upset.
I’ve been taking a SSRI* for almost 20 years and until today I had no idea how it worked. Shame on me! Maybe tomorrow I’ll research the rest of my medications.
*selective-serotonin reuptake inhibitor: an antidepressant drug that acts by blocking the reuptake of serotonin so that more serotonin is available to act on receptors in the brain
http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_does_serotonin_do
Sad Face - PhotoBucket
No comments:
Post a Comment