Depression caused by serotonin disregulation: Critically discuss the claim that depression is a condition caused by serotonin dis-regulation. Critically evaluate the parental investment model and Bateman’s theory in respect of their ability to explain human mate selection.
SEROTONIN AND DEPRESSION:
Depression is said to be one of the major causes of disability across the world with net reduction in serotonin transmission a major part of it. As we start the discussion, we find out that clumps of serotonin neurons lie in the most basic part of the brain – the brainstem. In the Central Nervous System, serotonin often has profound implications, including a role in appetite, sleep, learning, memory, mood, temperature regulation, sexual behavior, endocrine regulation, muscle contraction and cardiovascular function. Serotonin is also involved in behaviors like aggression, eating and sleeping. It has been noted that serotonin develop repressive effect on the nervous system as a result of which, it relieves, pacifies and initiates feelings of satisfaction and appeasement.
Adding further, Serotonin is involved in a wide range of disorders like Schizophrenia, Parkinson’s disease and depression. Not only that but also, Serotonin deficiency can be a cause of bulimia, anorexia, migraines, schizophrenia, obsessive compulsive disorders and social phobias.
Around 5% of the U.S population encounters a depressive event that demand psychopharmacological therapy; 10-12 million Americans are harmed by depression, in a year, with a predilection towards females. It also stated that approximately, 15% of depressed patients in the hospital are likely to suicide. These figures are inconceivable, so finding the cause of the problem is very important. Thus, the Indoleamine hypothesis is important to be discussed here as it suggests that depression results from inefficient serotonin or deficiency of serotonin.
Deficiency of serotonin from particular areas of the brain including the amygdala, hypothalamus, and cortical regions which are involved in cognition and other processes can have a great influence in contributing to depression. Whereas, low levels of serotonin can also be seen in suicidal patients that serve to link serotonin to depression. Moreover, Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) are highly effective on depression, supporting this hypothesis. The neurotransmitter’s reuptake by the presynaptic cell terminates the action of serotonin in the synapses. SSRIs block the serotonin’s reuptake, which results in increased serotonergic action. (Ho, 2002)
It should also be taken into account that a second generation SSRI, Fluoxetine, contributes in successfully eradicating the expressions of depression. Fluoxetine has proved to be highly successful in ameliorating the symptoms of depression among smokers. Basically when the tryptophan levels are declined by dietary control, the antidepressant effects are inversed. This basically adds confirmation to the Indolamine hypothesis.
Here, it is pertinent to note that the reduced levels of a Serotonin metabolite, 5-hydroxyindolacetic acid (5-HIAA) in the cerebral spinal fluid of patients suffering from depression are evidence supporting the indoleamine hypothesis. This reduction appears to be more prominent in patients suffering from depression who have expressed suicidal behavior. In a study, the 5-hydroxyindolacetic acid was inspected in 30 patients suffering from depression with a suicidal behavior history. Compared to the normal ones, the depressed individuals had lower levels of 5-HIAA in the cerebral spinal fluid. (Grohol, 2012)
The authentic study on the issue at hand discusses the relationship between depression and low levels of serotonin and supports the hypothesis that decreased levels of serotonin predisposes an individual to depression. There are many symptoms associated with depression including cognitive impairment, motor retardation, apathy and memory lapses. Also, Serotonin is a key player in activating motor activity. There’s basically a significant…
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