Which neurotransmitter is primarily affected in mood disorders?

The neurotransmitter primarily affected in mood disorders is serotonin. Serotonin plays a crucial role in regulating mood, emotion, and overall psychological well-being. Low levels of serotonin have been associated with conditions such as depression and anxiety, which are commonly categorized as mood disorders. This connection has led to the development of various antidepressant medications, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which aim to increase serotonin levels in the brain and improve mood.

The other neurotransmitters listed also play important roles in mood regulation but are not as directly tied to mood disorders as serotonin. Dopamine is often associated with the reward system and pleasure, norepinephrine with arousal and response to stress, and acetylcholine primarily with learning and memory functions. While imbalances in these neurotransmitters can influence mood, serotonin is the one most closely linked to the etiology and treatment of mood disorders.