Which neurotransmitter is most closely linked to mood regulation?

Serotonin is most closely linked to mood regulation due to its significant role in the brain's emotional and cognitive processes. This neurotransmitter is involved in regulating various functions, including mood, anxiety, and happiness.

Research indicates that lower levels of serotonin are often associated with mood disorders such as depression and anxiety. Many antidepressant medications, known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), work by increasing the availability of serotonin in the synaptic cleft, thereby enhancing mood and emotional well-being. This connection between serotonin and mood highlights its crucial function in emotional regulation and mental health.

In contrast, dopamine is primarily associated with the brain's reward system and is involved in motivation and pleasure. While it does play a role in mood, its primary focus is more on reward-related behaviors than on mood regulation itself. Norepinephrine is linked to attention, response actions, and stress, impacting alertness and arousal rather than directly regulating mood. Acetylcholine is involved in various functions, including motor control and cognitive functions such as memory, rather than being specifically connected to mood regulation. Therefore, serotonin is the neurotransmitter most directly related to mood.