Which neurotransmitter is primarily involved in the brain's regulation of mood and anxiety?

Serotonin is the neurotransmitter primarily associated with the regulation of mood and anxiety in the brain. It plays a crucial role in stabilizing mood, feelings of well-being, and happiness. Low levels of serotonin are often linked to mood disorders such as depression and anxiety disorders.

Serotonin functions by binding to receptors in the brain, influencing various physiological processes, and helping to regulate mood, emotion, sleep, and appetite. Its impact on mood makes it a significant target for many antidepressant medications, which often aim to increase serotonin levels in the brain.

Although other neurotransmitters like dopamine, acetylcholine, and glutamate are essential for various brain functions, they do not specifically target the regulation of mood and anxiety in the same way that serotonin does. Dopamine is more closely associated with the reward system and motivation, acetylcholine is involved in muscle activation and cognitive functions, and glutamate primarily acts as the main excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain, playing a role in memory and learning. Thus, serotonin stands out as the key neurotransmitter in mood regulation.