Serotonin: modulator of a drive to withdraw.
Serotonin is a fundamental neuromodulator in both vertebrate and invertebrate nervous systems, with a suspected role in many human mental disorders. Yet, because of the complexity of serotonergic function, researchers have been unable to agree on a general theory. One function suggested for serotonin systems is the avoidance of threat. We propose and review evidence for an alternative hypothesis, that a phylogenetically primitive of function of serotonin is to oppose the activating neuromodulators (particularly noradrenalin and dopamine). The functional effect of this opposition can be seen as applying a drive to withdraw from dangerous, aversive or high stimulation environments. Proposing that serotonin is involved in a drive to withdraw and seek contentment, instead of a drive to avoid, may be compatible with several lines of evidence on serotonin function and may facilitate a better understanding of serotonergic neuromodulation in human psychopathology.
Centre for Child and Family Studies, University of Leiden, P.O. Box 9555, NL-2300 RB Leiden, The Netherlands. mtops@fsw.leidenuniv.nl
Mattie
M
Tops
Sascha
S
Russo
Maarten A S
MA
Boksem
Don M
DM
Tucker
D000374:Aggression; D000818:Animals; D001007:Anxiety / Q000378:metabolism; D002490:Central Nervous System / Q000502:physiology*; D003863:Depression / Q000378:metabolism; D005221:Fatigue / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D012701:Serotonin / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D012919:Social Behavior
D012701:Serotonin