Low levels of which neurotransmitter are correlated with depression?

Study for the Kent State General Psychology Test. Prepare with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question comes with hints and explanations. Ace your exam!

Low levels of serotonin are well-documented in relation to depression. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that plays a critical role in regulating mood, anxiety, and happiness. When serotonin levels are low, individuals may experience negative mood states, leading to symptoms associated with depression such as feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of interest in activities they once enjoyed.

Research into depression and the effectiveness of certain antidepressant medications has shown that many of these medications work by increasing serotonin levels in the brain, emphasizing the importance of this neurotransmitter in mood regulation. This biochemical connection underpins the understanding of depression and guides many therapeutic approaches aimed at treating affected individuals.

The other neurotransmitters listed do play roles in the brain, but they are not as directly correlated with depression in the same way serotonin is. For example, while dopamine is associated with reward and motivation, its relationship with mood disorders is more complex and not as prominently highlighted as that of serotonin. Acetylcholine and GABA also have different primary roles in the nervous system, and their connection to depression is less straightforward than that of serotonin.

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