Did you know there is a neurotransmitter in your body which plays a role in your bowel movements, changes in mood, creating blood clots and reducing your libido? It’s true. One specific neurotransmitter has its hand in all of these functions. And although they may not seem like they interact, this neurotransmitter can send signals to your brain from your gut.
The neurotransmitter we’re discussing is serotonin and although you may think of it as something in your brain, serotonin has a place just about everywhere in your body.
What is serotonin?
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As mentioned serotonin is a neurotransmitter. This means it’s responsible for sending signals to your brain about what is going on in your body. Although it can be found in your brain much of it is produced in the intestines as well.
Serotonin has many functions as you can see from the ones previously mentioned. But it is most commonly spoken about when discussing depression. Because a large responsibility of serotonin is to regulate mood, its role in depression and other mood disorders is often studied.
The common belief is, low levels of serotonin result in depression and anxiety, but new research has uncovered it may actually be the opposite.
Social phobia linked with too much serotonin
A social phobia – or social anxiety disorder – is a fear of being judged by others or becoming embarrassed in public. The fear can become so strong that it can actually limit one’s ability to enter social settings or leave their home. Although embarrassment may seem like a normal part of life, those with social phobias are consumed by their fear to the point they avoid performing even what we deem normal or regular tasks.
The new study from Uppsala University wanted to uncover serotonins role in social phobias. In doing so they measured the neurotransmitters activity in those with social phobias. They found that there was an increase in serotonin levels particularly in the part of the brain which controls fear – the amygdala. The more serotonin produced, the more anxiety these individuals experienced.
Reducing serotonin
If you have a social phobia you now have a better idea of serotonin’s role with it. Although a doctor may prescribe medication to reduce serotonin levels, it’s important to take natural steps to controlling and managing your anxiety. Here are some ways you can combat symptoms of anxiety as a means to reducing serotonin.
- Exercise
- Eat well
- Meditate
- Practice breathing exercises
- Speak with a therapist or partake in group therapy
- Reach out to others with social phobias or anxiety
- Create goals you wish to accomplish
- Avoid unhealthy habits like drinking and smoking.
Living with a social phobia may be challenging but getting proper treatment and getting over your fears are useful steps to living with a social phobia.
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Sources:
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/social-phobia-social-anxiety-disorder/index.shtml
http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/stress-anxiety-depression/Pages/reduce-stress.aspx
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/232248.php
http://www.news-medical.net/health/What-is-Serotonin.aspx
http://www.uu.se/en/media/news/article/?id=4918&area=2,6,10,16&typ=artikel&lang=en
http://psychcentral.com/news/2015/06/18/social-anxiety-tied-to-overabundance-of-serotonin/85828.html
