Why some people develop major depressive disorder and others do not is a complex and not well-understood process. Several factors have been discussed to contribute to depression, among them: Genetic ...

A new study explores the interplay between the serotonin system and estradiol in the brain, showing that the central nervous system in patients with premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) seems to ...

In this slice through the structure of human serotonin transporter, (S)-citalopram binds to both the central (green) and allosteric (blue) binding sites. Drug designers have long been synthesizing ...

In the last couple blog posts, I introduced the serotonin transporter promoter gene, or 5-HTTLPR. It’s a gene that controls how many serotonin re-uptake transporters you have, and differences in this ...

Researchers have identified a genetic factor that may predispose young people to harmful drinking habits. A team of scientists interviewed college students about their alcohol consumption and then ...

Researchers have discovered new connections between the gut and brain that hold promise for more targeted future treatments for depression and anxiety, and which could point scientists to ways of ...

In the nervous system, electrical signals are sent down a nerve cell (neuron) to a synapse that transmit the electrical signal from one nerve cell to another. Their main purpose is to limit the ...

Serotonin sends signals between nerve cells. It may help regulate many body functions, including mood, bowel movements, and sleep. Some medications help boost serotonin levels and improve mood.