Which neurotransmitter is involved in enhancing mood but is also affected in conditions like depression?

The neurotransmitter that enhances mood and is significantly associated with conditions like depression is serotonin. This chemical messenger plays a crucial role in regulating mood, anxiety, and overall emotional well-being. Low levels of serotonin are often linked to depressive disorders, leading researchers to explore its relationship with mood and affective disorders.

Given its fundamental role in mood regulation, many antidepressant medications target the serotonin system to alleviate symptoms of depression. These medications often work by either increasing the availability of serotonin in the brain or enhancing its action at synapses. This vital connection between serotonin levels and mood highlights its importance in the biological basis of mental health, particularly in understanding and treating depression.