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What is the Connection Between Serotonin and Dopamine?

Christina Hall
Christina Hall

Serotonin and dopamine are both neurotransmitters found in abundance within the human brain and throughout the human body. Both classified as biogenic amines, they are among the group of psychoactive chemicals responsible for the proper functioning of the central nervous system. Their close relationship is an important aspect in research within the psychiatric spectrum. The importance of the connection between these two substances stems from the balance that must be maintained within the body to keep a person's mood stable.

Serotonin and dopamine are both needed in various quantities throughout the body. Their metabolism, synthesis, and uptake pathways are intertwined. Serotonin and dopamine are both metabolized by the same enzyme, MAO, and sometimes compete for the attention of this chemical. Serotonin is synthesized from the amino acids tryptophan and 5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP), whereas dopamine is synthesized from the amino acids tyrosine and L-Dopa. When one of these neurotransmitter precursors is out of balance, metabolism, synthesis, and uptake of either neurotransmitter can be impaired.

The human brain contains an abundance of serotonin and dopamine.
The human brain contains an abundance of serotonin and dopamine.

When either serotonin or dopamine becomes depleted within the system, disturbances in mood and cognitive function become apparent. Biological pathways that regulate things such as appetite, libido, and the circulatory system can be affected, as well. The imbalance of these two chemicals, sometimes in addition to other chemical imbalances and triggers from the outside environment, leads to illness.

Anhedonia, the inability to enjoy formerly pleasurable experiences, is caused by dopamine depletion.
Anhedonia, the inability to enjoy formerly pleasurable experiences, is caused by dopamine depletion.

While the neurotransmitters have a symbiotic relationship within the body, they act independently of each other and regulate specific functions of the brain. Serotonin depletion is responsible for some forms of major depression and feelings of anxiety and aggression. Dopamine depletion is responsible for lack of motivation, and for anhedonia, the inability to feel pleasure. When there is an imbalance with either one, there is an increased chance of the other becoming unbalanced as a result of their interdependent nature. This leads to a cyclic disease model.

Serotonin is synthesized from the amino acids tryptophan and 5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP).
Serotonin is synthesized from the amino acids tryptophan and 5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP).

Balancing serotonin, dopamine, and other biogenic amines such as norepinephrine is the focus of research into treating many mood disorders. The monoamine hypothesis, which points to serotonin as the main culprit in most mood disorders, is becoming obsolete as researchers discover new layers in the complicated relationship between serotonin and many of the brain's other psychoactive chemical compounds. Dopamine is proving to be as important as serotonin when researching psychiatric disease. Medications used to treat chemical imbalance are becoming more effective, because newer drugs take into account the complicated connection between serotonin and dopamine.

Discussion Comments

cahall

@anon212494: It has been my experience that mood swings are often triggered by blood sugar imbalances. Eat small meals throughout the day to keep it in check. Be sure to eat whole grains and lean protein, as these digest slowly, keeping the sugar stable.

If your diet is less than perfect, be sure to take a multivitamin that is heavy on the B-vitamins. These help to regulate mood as well. I really notice a difference in my mood when I pay attention to my diet.

You could try some herbal supplements as well, like valerian, kava kava or SAMe.

anon212494

What is a good diet to help with mood swings?

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    • The human brain contains an abundance of serotonin and dopamine.
      By: Alexandr Mitiuc
      The human brain contains an abundance of serotonin and dopamine.
    • Anhedonia, the inability to enjoy formerly pleasurable experiences, is caused by dopamine depletion.
      By: Ambrophoto
      Anhedonia, the inability to enjoy formerly pleasurable experiences, is caused by dopamine depletion.
    • Serotonin is synthesized from the amino acids tryptophan and 5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP).
      By: snyggg.de
      Serotonin is synthesized from the amino acids tryptophan and 5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP).
    • Serotonin is a neurotransmitter, which is a type of molecule that carries signals across nerve junctions, or synapses.
      By: ThorstenSchmitt
      Serotonin is a neurotransmitter, which is a type of molecule that carries signals across nerve junctions, or synapses.