Arielle Weissman
AP Psychology- Barbagallo
Serotonin
Serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine) is an inhibitory neurotransmitter often referred to as a “feel good” chemical. Along with Gaba, it is a great balancer to the nervous system counteracting the effects of Dopamine and Acetylcholine, which excite and send messages to stimulate the brain. Serotonin is located primarily in the gastrointestinal tract (GI tract), and the central nervous system (CNS). It is thought to be key in the constricting smooth muscles, and also transmitting impulses between nerve cells .Serotonin is often found in plants and naturally grown fungi, for example wild mushrooms.
5-HT is most commonly is known for being in charge of bowel function, mood, sleep, nausea, and sexual function. When it
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It is the neurotransmitter that tells your brain when you are filling up. When it comes to mood, Serotonin affects mostly depression anxiety and happiness. Unbalanced and constantly fluctuating level of 5-HT in your body, leads to depression and anxiety. This also leads to nausea and possible vomiting in reaction to the decreased levels. It is believed that this occurs due to a genetic glitch in a person’s body and lack of serotonin and or messages are not being delivered and produced in the brain. When it comes to sleep, on top of the lack of Serotonin making you depressed and that leads to exhaustion, it also is due to yet again low levels within the body. Lastly, Serotonin affects sexual function due to Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) that can potentially reduce libido in women and men. Libido is a person’s emotional or psychic energy inside their body. When this disrupts a person’s arousal it can cause anorgasmia in women, and increase in