Which neurotransmitter is associated with feelings of anxiety, depression and aggressiveness?

• A. Serotonin
• B. GABA
• C. Norepinephrine
• D. Dopamine

Answer: (A)

Serotonin is the neurotransmitter most closely tied to mood regulation, which includes feelings of anxiety and depression, as well as impulsive or aggressive behavior. It helps stabilize emotional state, regulate sleep and appetite, and influence social behavior. When serotonin function is low or imbalanced, it’s commonly associated with depressive symptoms and heightened anxiety. It also plays a role in impulse control, so lower serotonergic activity can be linked to increased aggressive impulses in some individuals. This linkage is even reflected in clinical treatments: medications that boost serotonin levels, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), are commonly effective for reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety and can help dampen impulsive aggression.

GABA mainly acts as the brain’s primary inhibitory system, dampening neural excitability to reduce anxiety, but it’s not as strongly tied to depression and aggression as serotonin. Norepinephrine is crucial for arousal and the body’s stress response, contributing to mood and energy but not as directly linked to the triad of anxiety, depression, and aggression as serotonin. Dopamine is central to reward and motivation, with mood effects, but it’s less consistently associated with the combined pattern described in the question.