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What Is Serotonin?

From , former About.com Guide

Updated December 27, 2009

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Definition:

Serotonin is a naturally occurring chemical in the brain (a neurotransmitter) that is responsible, in part, for regulating brain functions such as mood, appetite, sleep, and memory.

Problems with serotonin have been linked to mood disorders such as depression and to borderline personality disorder(BPD). Antidepressant medications that alter the availability of serotonin in the brain have been used to treat these conditions.

Common Misspellings: seretonin
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