The Relationship between Depression, Serotonin, and Dopamine

Board-certified radiation oncologist Kevin Murphy, MD, treats issues of the brain and spinal cord. Kevin Murphy, MD, is the founder and CEO of PeakLogic and a practitioner at Mindset in San Diego. With his team at Mindset, Dr. Murphy treats conditions such as depression.

Depression is linked primarily to two neurotransmitters: serotonin and dopamine. Dopamine is predominantly responsible for motivation. It oversees the reward system and helps people feel satisfied after they achieve something. Without dopamine, the brain does not feel pleasure after a task is accomplished. This makes both routine activities, such as hobbies and going to work, difficult. Feelings of helplessness and a loss of interest in things once enjoyed are signs of a malfunctioning dopamine system.

Serotonin is involved in blood clotting, sexual function, digestion, and emotional regulation. In the past, doctors believed that low serotonin caused depression, but this has proven incorrect. Still, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) may be effective treatments for depression since more serotonin in the body makes mood regulation easier.