Serotonin in the elderly

Abstract

Serotonin is said to determine our emotions, moods and affect. The physiology of serotonin implies it in the regulation of biological functions in line with our mood, like accelerated heart rate and sweating triggered by feeling flustered. Serotonin has multiple pharmacological actions in the body and alterations in serotonergic function may account for behavioural disturbances commonly observed in the elderly. The clinical effectiveness of selective 5-HT reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) is believed to be mediated through enhancement of extracellular 5 HT. Various studies have shown that the SSRIs are better tolerated in older people compared with the tricyclic antidepressant or serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). It is obvious that serotonin plays a significant role in the emotional wellbeing of people – whether they are young or old and there are various ways of increasing serotonin in the body in order to create a feeling of wellbeing and content.