Which neurotransmitter is mainly involved in mood regulation and is often linked to depression?

Serotonin is the neurotransmitter primarily linked to mood regulation and is often associated with depression. Research has shown that individuals with major depressive disorder frequently exhibit lower levels of serotonin, which supports its role in affecting mood and emotional well-being. Serotonin helps improve mood, regulate anxiety, and contributes to feelings of happiness and overall emotional balance.

The importance of serotonin in mental health has led to the development of various antidepressant medications that aim to increase serotonin levels in the brain, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). These medications work by preventing the reabsorption of serotonin in the brain, thus increasing its availability and helping to improve mood.

Other neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine also play roles in mood regulation and are connected to mood disorders, but serotonin has a more direct and well-established relationship with depression specifically. Glutamate, although crucial for cognitive functions and neural communication, is not primarily linked to mood regulation in the same way serotonin is. Therefore, serotonin is recognized as the key neurotransmitter involved in mood regulation and depression.