Which of the following neurotransmitter is deficient in depression?

Appeared in: AIIMS Raipur - 2017 (Shift-3)

Explanation

Serotonin, also known by its chemical name 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), is a key neurotransmitter involved in mood regulation.
A deficiency in serotonin levels in the brain is strongly linked to the development of clinical depression, a concept known as the monoamine hypothesis.
Since option A (Serotonin) and option B (5 HT) refer to the same substance, the most complete and accurate choice is 'Both (A) and (B)'.

Option A: This option is technically correct but incomplete. '5 HT' is another name for Serotonin, making 'Both (A) and (B)' the most comprehensive answer.
Option B: This option is also technically correct but incomplete. '5 HT' is the chemical name for Serotonin, and since both are listed, 'Both (A) and (B)' is the most accurate choice.
Option D: GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) is the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter. Its deficiency is more closely associated with anxiety disorders, seizures, and insomnia, not primarily depression.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Neurotransmitter deficiency in depression as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Understanding this link is fundamental for nurses, as the most common class of antidepressant drugs, SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors), works by increasing the amount of available serotonin in the brain.
Patient education is a key nursing role. Nurses must be able to explain to patients, in simple terms, how their medication helps correct a chemical imbalance related to depression.
What if? If a patient on an SSRI develops symptoms like agitation, confusion, rapid heart rate, and muscle rigidity, the nurse should suspect Serotonin Syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition caused by excessive serotonin activity, and report it immediately.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core of the question, which is asking about the specific neurotransmitter linked to depression.
Analyze the options provided. Notice that 'Serotonin' and '5 HT' are listed.
Recall or deduce that '5 HT' is the scientific abbreviation for 5-hydroxytryptamine, which is the chemical name for Serotonin.
Recognize that options A and B are essentially the same. This is a strong clue that an option like 'Both (A) and (B)' is likely the intended correct answer.
Evaluate the final option, GABA, and recall its primary role related to anxiety to confirm it as an incorrect distractor for a question about depression.
Conclude that the most complete and accurate answer is the one that encompasses both correct names for the neurotransmitter.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Q5lM7-X_KnAucMQgL-vR8w

E6 Kaplan Sadock's Synopsis of Psychiatry-2022 (pp 1-3768 of 3768) pp. 1268-1270, 1269-1271

Practise the full AIIMS Raipur - 2017 (Shift-3)

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.