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Serotonergic dysfunction, negative mood states, and response to alcohol.
A Heinz1, K Mann, D R Weinberger
1Central Institute of Mental Health, University of Heidelberg, Germany. heinza@as200.zi-mannheim.de
Alcoholism, Clinical and Experimental Research
|May 1, 2001
Summary
Serotonin dysfunction is linked to alcoholism, particularly in individuals with negative moods and low response to alcohol. This may involve reduced alcohol-induced sedation, impacting alcohol dependence risk.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
- Addiction Research
Background:
- Central serotonergic neurotransmission dysfunction is implicated in alcoholism.
- Associated behaviors include impulsive aggression, negative mood, and low alcohol response.
Purpose of the Study:
- Review literature on psychopathological correlates of serotonergic dysfunction.
- Focus on the interaction between negative mood and alcohol response.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of psychopathological correlates.
- Analysis of studies on mood and alcohol response.
Main Results:
- Low serotonin turnover linked to excessive alcohol intake and aggression in primates.
- Human data show reduced serotonin and aggression, possibly mediated by negative mood.
- Reduced serotonin transporter availability in alcoholics correlates with depression and altered alcohol response.
Conclusions:
- Evidence suggests a link between serotonergic dysfunction, negative mood, and excessive alcohol intake.
- Reduced alcohol-induced sedation may mediate this relationship.
- These factors are relevant to alcohol dependence development.