Discuss how the same neurotransmitter linked to the cause and treatment of depre

Question

Discuss how the same neurotransmitter linked to the cause and treatment of depressive illness is also attributable as the cause, worsening or healing of gastroenterological illness, such as irritable bowel syndrome. Discuss how the same neurotransmitter linked to the cause and treatment of depressive illness is also attributable as the cause, worsening or healing of gastroenterological illness, such as irritable bowel syndrome. Discuss how the same neurotransmitter linked to the cause and treatment of depressive illness is also attributable as the cause, worsening or healing of gastroenterological illness, such as irritable bowel syndrome.

Explanation / Answer

When we talk about a gastroenterological illness, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), it is a bowel disorder causing to unpleasant feeling and pain in the gut. While it hampers the quality of life of the patient, a major cause leading to its worsening or healing is the neurotransmitter called serotonin.

Role of serotonin in IBS: The intestinal motility, flow of blood, gastrointestinal immune system and visceral sensitivity are all affected by the release of the neurotransmitter called serotonin. The increase in its production increases secretion in IBS patients by overstimulating the secretomotor neurons, thus leading to diarrhea. The opposite happens in patients who face constipation.

Role of serotonin in depressive illness: The same neurotransmitter is responsible for depressive illnesses. In fact, the levels of serotonin affect several aspects of mind and resulting behavior, including anger, mood, stress, concentration, memory, etc. A human’s multiple physical and mental functions (ranging from gastrointestinal, appetite, cardiac, endocrine and pulmonary to central nervous system having serotonin receptors) are controlled by serotonin.

Serotonin-IBS-depression connection: Serotonin can be understood as a communication link between the gut and the brain, playing a major role in the perception of stress and pain. Most of it is produced in the gastrointestinal tract and that is the reason why many patients of depression may also show IBS symptoms, and vice versa.

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