A lack of serotonin can lead to which psychological condition?

The link between serotonin and depression is well-established in the field of psychology and psychiatry. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that plays a key role in regulating mood, emotions, and overall mental well-being. When serotonin levels are low, it can result in mood imbalances that contribute to feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and anxiety, which are characteristic of depression.

Research has shown that individuals with depression often exhibit altered serotonin levels, and many antidepressant medications work by increasing the availability of serotonin in the brain. This foundational understanding of serotonin's influence on mood underscores why a deficiency in this neurotransmitter is closely associated with the development and exacerbation of depressive symptoms.

While other conditions listed, such as schizophrenia or obsessive-compulsive disorder, may involve serotonin to some extent, they are more complex and often involve a variety of other neurochemical and psychological factors. Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is likewise influenced by different neurotransmitters, including dopamine, making the association with serotonin less direct. Thus, the strongest and most direct connection is with depression and the role of serotonin in mood regulation.