We have known
for quite some time that depression and serotonin pathways in the brain are
connected in some way. Many of our treatments for depression are based on
serotonin and its metabolism in the body. How depression and serotonin may be
linked? Well, according to information in the journal Science, interactions
between a brain protein and a serotonin receptor seem to have a relationship
with depression as well as obsessive-compulsive disorder, drug addiction,
anxiety, aggression and sleep disorders. Now, without getting too technical,
there are aspects of the finding that are very important. The true value might
come from the fact that as we learn more about serotonin, we will be able to
attack it more specifically. Remember, we use a lot of serotonin-based drugs.
We understand how they work and we can definitely put them in position where
they can make a difference for people.
