increased seretonin can decrease reward-seeking behaviors 🧠
The serotonergic pathway has the capacity to tame the mesolimbic pathway. Animal data has shown that the contentment from serotonin can reverse addictive behavior. Serotonin can speed up the breakdown and disposal of dopamine, resulting in decreased dopamine-related reward signaling and reward-seeking behavior. In humans, we know that high levels of serotonin can decrease alcohol intake. Conversely, serotonin depletion (through experimental depletion of tryptophan) is associated with risky choice making.
References
- Lustig, H., Robert. The Hacking of the American Mind Chapter 10. Self-Inflicted Misery The Dopamine-Cortisol-Serotonin Connection (Location 1944). New York, NY: Penguin Random House.
Metadata
Type:🔴 Tags: Biology / Neuroscience / Biochemistry / Neurochemistry Status:☀️