When the serotonin system in the brain becomes damaged it can affect impulse control and mood as well as memory and learning abilities. Now there is research that shows that this damage takes place much more quickly for females with alcohol abuse problems than it does men who are problem drinkers.Both men and women can experience adverse serotonin effects from drinking too much, but women get there much faster, research shows.
Scientists at the Gothenburg Alcohol Research Project (GARP) found that after only four years of problem drinking, women can experience a significant decrease in serotonin system function, losing 50% of its function.
Damages Male Brains Too
It takes 12 years for alcohol dependent males to lose 50% of their serotonin system function, the researchers found.
The serotonin system controls the regulation of mood, appetite, and sleep. Because it controls mood, people with damaged serotonin systems can experience depression and increased risk of suicide. Many antidepressant medications are aimed at modulating the serotonin system in the brain.
The GARP researchers are not sure if the serotonin system will repair itself if someone stops drinking, but there is research that shows that other brain damage can heal itself with alcohol abstinence.
The study will be published in the journal Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research.
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