Serotonin changes how people learn and respond to negative information
A University of Oxford study found that increased serotonin levels reduce sensitivity to negative outcomes while improving behavioral control and memory, suggesting potential implications for treating depression and mental health disorders.
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A recent study from the University of Oxford has revealed that increasing serotonin levels can significantly alter how individuals learn from and respond to negative information. Published in Nature Communications, the research involved 53 participants, with some receiving a drug that boosts serotonin levels while others were in a control group. The findings indicated that those with elevated serotonin showed reduced sensitivity to negative outcomes, such as losing money, while their sensitivity to positive outcomes remained unchanged. This suggests that higher serotonin levels enhance behavioral control in adverse situations and improve memory functions. The study utilized a novel selective serotonin releasing agent, which directly increases serotonin in the brain, differing from traditional antidepressants. Researchers believe these insights could inform future treatments for depression and other mental health disorders, emphasizing serotonin's role in processing negative experiences rather than merely enhancing positive feelings. The lead author, Michael Colwell, highlighted the potential implications for understanding and treating mental illnesses, while co-author Professor Catherine Harmer noted the importance of serotonin in cognitive processes, particularly in inhibiting unwanted behaviors.
- Increasing serotonin levels can reduce sensitivity to negative outcomes.
- The study used a novel drug to directly increase serotonin, differing from traditional SSRIs.
- Elevated serotonin levels improve behavioral control and memory functions.
- Findings may provide insights into the treatment of depression and other mental health disorders.
- The research emphasizes serotonin's role in processing negative information rather than just enhancing positive responses.
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