Today a student asked me in class about some clarification of how SSRI:s (Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors - a type of antidepressant) work.
Basically, they increase the level of serotonin in the synapse by inhibiting the reuptake of the neurotransmitter into the presynaptic cell. As you know, during neurotransmission, the presynaptic cell is releasing the neurotransmitters into the synapse, which bind to receptors in the receiving cell. This cause an electric impulse in the receiving cell. After the neurotransmitters have bound to the receiving cell they return to the presynaptic cell. SSRI:s however, inhibit the presynaptic cell's reuptake of serotonin, prolonging the time serotonin stays in the synapse, therefore prolonging the effect of serotonin of the receiving cell. Please note that serotonin does not increase the level of serotonin in the brain, only the level of serotonin in the synapses. Patients suffering from depression or anorexia usually have an imbalance in the Serotonin system. It could be good to know that patients with depression have a decreased activity of Serotonin neurotransmission (about 30 neurotransmitters are related to depression). Patients suffering from anorexia have a more complex imbalance of the serotonin system. Areas with the 5HT1A receptor (One type of Serotonin molecule) show a heightened level of serotonin. These areas are related to anxiety, mood and impulse control. Areas related to the 5HT2A serotonin receptor show a decreased serotonin activity (these areas are related to regulation of feeding, mood, and anxiety) Low serotonin activity is also related to violent behavior, something to consider when you evaluate the sociocultural explanations of violence.
1 Comment
anna
10/9/2013 07:00:19 am
very helpful, thank you!
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AuthorThis is my class blog for IB Psychology. Here I will publish reflections on psychology, reviews of psychology books, recommended links, lecture notes, and information on psychology topics that are not covered by the syllabus. You are free to add comments or ask me questions. Archives
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