What neurotransmitter is most commonly associated with depressive symptoms due to its dysfunction?

Serotonin is widely recognized for its significant role in mood regulation and is particularly associated with depressive symptoms when its function is disrupted. Research indicates that low levels or dysfunction of serotonin can lead to mood disorders, including depression. This neurotransmitter is involved in regulating various emotional processes, and its imbalance is thought to contribute to the pathophysiology of depression.

The emphasis on serotonin in the context of depression has led to the development of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which are commonly used as first-line treatments for depression. These medications work by increasing the availability of serotonin in the synaptic cleft, thereby improving mood and alleviating depressive symptoms.

While dopamine and norepinephrine are also implicated in mood disorders, their roles are more complex and typically associated with specific symptoms like anhedonia or attention deficits. Glutamate, primarily known as an excitatory neurotransmitter, has more recent associations with mood regulation and potential therapeutic targets but is not the primary neurotransmitter linked to the classical understanding of depression in the same way serotonin is.

Thus, the focus on serotonin as the key neurotransmitter in depressive disorders is well-founded and supported by a substantial body of clinical and pharmacological evidence.