Imbalance between serotonin and dopamine in social anxiety disorder
Study reports the balance between serotonin and dopamine may be a risk factor for a person developing social anxiety disorder.... Read More...
serotonin
Glutamate in the brain has unexpected qualities
A new analysis method shows the brain regulates its signals using glutamate in more ways than previously thought.... Read More...
Are some antidepressants less risky for pregnant women?
Alteration of placental serotonin levels due to maternal depression or antidepressant use may be associated with the disruption of placental estrogen production. ... Read More...
Hangovers happen as your body tries to protect itself from alcohol’s toxic effects
Researchers explore the biology behind hangovers, including how excessive alcohol consumption alters glutamate, serotonin, and dopamine. The paper also examines how to reduce the effects of a heavy night's drinking.... Read More...
Evolutionary changes in brain potentially make us more prone to anxiety
Evolutionary changes in neurotransmitter uptake of VMAT1 may be responsible for higher levels of anxiety.... Read More...
The effect of taking antidepressants during pregnancy
Exposure to antidepressants during the first few weeks of pregnancy has long term implications for sensory processing in the offspring.... Read More...
Rave new world: Scientists pry apart party drug’s therapeutic, addictive qualities
Researchers have distinguished two different molecular pathways responsible for addiction and the prosocial feelings generated by MDMA. The findings could lead to novel treatments for psychiatric disorders marked by withdrawal and social awkwardness.... Read More...
Young Children and Infants Read to By Parents Have Stronger Vocabulary Skills
Reading to infants and young children is associated with stronger vocabulary skills at age three. The findings reveal parents who read to children with genetic predispositions to learning and attention disorders help improve their language acquisition skills.... Read More...
Why stress doesn’t always cause depression
Rats susceptible to anhedonia have more serotonin neurons in the ventral dorsal raphe nucleus. However, activating neurons in the central amygdala reduced the serotonin signaling and lowered the effects of social stress.... Read More...
Why do we freeze when startled? New study points to serotonin
When fruit flies experience an unexpected change in its surroundings, serotonin produced in the ventral nerve cord slows the insect down. The findings may shed light on the neurobiological mechanisms of human startle response.... Read More...
Turning to turkey’s tryptophan to boost mood? Not so fast
Research examines the myths and science behind how the amino acid tryptophan, associated with turkey, affects mood.... Read More...
Severe pregnancy-related depression may be rooted in inflammation
Inflammatory factors appear to contribute to pregnancy-related depression onset and severity. Researchers found elevated levels of IL-6 and IL-8 and reduced levels of IL-2 in blood samples taken from blood samples of pregnant women who reported symptoms of depression. Additionally, they found serotonin was drastically reduced.... Read More...