What is the primary neurotransmitter involved in mood regulation?

The primary neurotransmitter involved in mood regulation is serotonin. This neurotransmitter plays a crucial role in stabilizing mood, feelings of well-being, and happiness. It also influences various psychological processes, including anxiety, depression, and overall emotional state.

Serotonin is known to affect mood by helping to regulate emotions and is often the target of various antidepressant medications, particularly selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which increase serotonergic activity in the brain. Therefore, maintaining adequate levels of serotonin is essential for emotional balance and well-being.

Other neurotransmitters such as dopamine, norepinephrine, and GABA also play roles in mood and emotional regulation but are not considered the primary neurotransmitter for this function. Dopamine is more closely associated with reward and motivation, norepinephrine is involved in arousal and alertness, while GABA primarily acts as an inhibitory neurotransmitter that helps to reduce neuronal excitability.