Study Reveals Surprising Role of Serotonin in Worsening Schizophrenia Symptoms
December 28, 2025263 AufrufeLesezeit: 2 Minuten
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A recent study suggests that heightened serotonin activity in specific brain regions may significantly contribute to the worsening of negative symptoms associated with schizophrenia, potentially hindering patients' recovery and social integration.
Schizophrenia is a multifaceted mental illness affecting around 1% of the global population. The disorder is characterized by negative symptoms such as social withdrawal, lack of motivation, loss of pleasure, and a reduced capacity to function in everyday life.
Despite advancements in pharmacological treatments, these negative symptoms remain one of the most challenging aspects of therapy.
Researchers from the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience at King's College London tested a hypothesis first proposed over sixty years ago, which posits that overactivity of the serotonin system may underlie these symptoms. The study involved 54 participants, including 26 diagnosed with schizophrenia and 28 healthy controls.
Participants underwent two positron emission tomography (PET) scans, utilizing a radioactive substance that binds to serotonin receptors in the brain.
Between the scans, participants received a dose of the stimulant amphetamine (d-amphetamine) to stimulate serotonin release.
The findings indicated a general decline in the binding of the radioactive substance to serotonin receptors across all participants, suggesting an increased release of this neurotransmitter. However, the increase was notably more pronounced in patients with schizophrenia, particularly in the frontal cortex, which is responsible for planning, decision-making, and motivation.
Further analysis revealed that heightened serotonin release was directly correlated with the severity of negative symptoms and the degree of functional impairment in patients. This suggests a potential role for this neurotransmitter in the complexity of the illness's progression, countering the common belief that it primarily functions as a "happiness hormone."
Serotonin is known for its critical role in regulating mood, sleep, cognitive functions, appetite, and social behavior. However, this study emphasizes that an imbalance—not merely a deficiency—could be a triggering factor in certain mental disorders.
The researchers believe these findings could pave the way for new therapeutic strategies aimed at more precisely regulating serotonin activity, rather than simply increasing it, which could ultimately enhance the quality of life for individuals with schizophrenia.
