Serotonin and alcohol intake, abuse, and dependence: clinical evidence

Author: LeMarquand, D.; Pihl, R.O.; Benkelfat, C.

Description: A large body of literature has emerged concerning the role of the neurotransmitter serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, or 5-HT) in the regulation of alcohol intake and the development of alcoholism. Despite the wealth of information, the functional significance of this neurotransmitter remains to be fully elucidated. This paper, part one of a two-part review, summarizes the available clinical research along two lines: the effects of alcohol on serotonergic functioning and the effects of pharmacological manipulation of serotonergic functioning on alcohol intake in normal (nonalcohol dependent) and alcohol-dependent individuals. It is concluded that considerable evidence exists to support the notion that some alcoholic individuals may have lowered central serotonin neurotransmission.

Subject Headings: Alcohol Drinking/physiopathology; Alcoholism/physiopathology; Brain/physiopathology; Humans; Serotonin/physiology; Synaptic Transmission/physiology

Keywords: Serotonin and alcohol intake, abuse, and dependence: clinical evidence

Publication year: 1994

Journal or book title: Biological Psychiatry

Volume: 36

Issue: 5

Pages: 326-337

Find the full text : https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/0006322394906300

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Type: Journal Article

Serial number: 2611