Which neurotransmitter is linked to impulsivity, aggression, and depression?

The neurotransmitter linked to impulsivity, aggression, and depression is serotonin. Serotonin plays a crucial role in regulating mood, emotions, and behavior. Low levels of serotonin are often associated with mood disorders, including depression, and can contribute to increased impulsivity and aggression. Research has shown that people with depression frequently exhibit alterations in serotonin levels, which can impact their emotional regulation and increase the likelihood of engaging in impulsive or aggressive behavior.

In contrast, dopamine is more commonly linked to reward and pleasure-seeking behaviors, while GABA is primarily an inhibitory neurotransmitter that helps regulate anxiety and excitability in the brain. Endorphins, on the other hand, are involved in pain relief and the feeling of pleasure, influencing moods related to pain and stress rather than directly affecting impulsivity or aggression in the way serotonin does. Thus, understanding the role of serotonin is vital in contexts related to mental health and behavioral issues.