Serotonin and mood
A new study demonstrates the relationship between subjective reports of mood and the level of (5-HT) serotonin levels in the blood. While this serotonine marker predicts positive affect very well, it does not for negative mood. Associations between whole-blood serotonin and subjective mood in healthy male volunteers. Williams E, Stewart-Knox B, Helander A, McConville C, […]
A new study demonstrates the relationship between subjective reports of mood and the level of (5-HT) serotonin levels in the blood. While this serotonine marker predicts positive affect very well, it does not for negative mood.
Associations between whole-blood serotonin and subjective mood in healthy male volunteers.
Williams E, Stewart-Knox B, Helander A, McConville C, Bradbury I, Rowland I
Biol Psychol. 2006 Feb ; 71(2): 171-4
Little is known regarding the relationship between how mood is experienced and biochemical factors. This research has explored potential relationships between whole-blood serotonin (5-HT) and subjective mood, measured using the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS), in healthy males (n=23). Univariate linear regression analysis indicated that 5-HT levels were positively related to positive affect (P=0.002) but not negative affect. Whole-blood 5-HT concentrations therefore appear to predict mood in healthy males. More research using larger samples and including females is needed to explore further associations between biomarkers and subjective measures of mood.
