Serotonin: current understanding and the way forward

Serotonin is a key neurotransmitter in the central nervous system. In recent years its role in the pathophysiology and pharmacology of depression has been extensively investigated. Neuroendocrine studies suggest decreased serotonergic responsivity in patients with major depression. The fact that the majority of patients become depressed in a setting of stressful life events may indicate that the neurotransmitter disturbance occurs as part of the stress response in certain vulnerable individuals. Effective treatment of depression results in normalization of this disturbance. Drugs which selectively block the reuptake of serotonin are effective antidepressants with a low incidence of side effects.