Serotonin is related to impulsiveness

A new study by Cambridge scientists showed that the neurotransmitter serotonin, which acts as a chemical message between nerve cells, plays a decisive role in controlling emotional wallet such as aggressive behavior when making social decisions.

It has long been known that serotonin is involved in social behavior, but its relationship with aggression and impulse also provokes controversy. Although many hypothesize that serotonin is related to impulsiveness, this is the first study to show this connection.

The study's findings emphasize why some of us may become aggressive or aggressive when we haven't eaten. Amino acids needed for the body to make serotonin can only be obtained through meals. Therefore, serotonin levels decrease naturally before eating - this is the result that researchers take advantage of in their experimental methods.

Research also provides insights into clinical disorders, typical signs of low serotonin levels, such as depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder. This may help explain some of the difficulties associated with these disorders.

The study was funded by the Wellcome Trust and the Medical Research Council, saying patients with depression and anxiety disorders could benefit from therapy that teaches them how to control emotions when making a decision, especially especially in the social context.

Eating tryptophan-rich foods like poultry (chicken soup) or chocolate can increase serotonin levels.(Photo: iStockphoto / Daniel Loiselle)

Researchers were able to reduce brain serotonin levels in healthy volunteers for a short time by controlling their meals. They use a situation called 'The optimal game' to examine how individuals with low serotonin levels react to what they think is unfair. In this game, a player offers a way to divide a sum of money with a player. If the friend agrees, both players are paid a corresponding amount. If he refuses, both of you can't do anything.

Normally, people tend to refuse about half of the offers less than 20-30% of the total amount, despite the fact that they are not. The rejection rate increased to more than 80% after serotonin reduction. Other calculations indicate that weak serotonin volunteers are not easily depressed or too emotional for lost bonuses.

Dr. Molly Crockett, a PhD student, is also a Gates scholar at the University of Cambridge Institute of Behavioral and Medical Neurology, said: 'Our results show that serotonin plays an important role in making social decisions by affecting the level of aggression in social reactions. Changing diet and stress makes serotonin levels drop naturally, so it's important to understand the effect of this factor on our daily decisions. '

Where do we get Serotonin from?

The only way to get raw materials for serotonin (tryptophan) is through a diet. Therefore, serotonin levels are usually lower when you have not eaten - a consequence that researchers take advantage of in their experimental methods. Eating tryptophan-rich foods like poultry (chicken soup) or chocolate can increase serotonin levels. Some people think this is also the reason why they see these foods seem delicious.