Serotonin syndrome Thesis Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Serotonin syndrome - Thesis Example The determining factor in disease management is therefore, early recognition of the symptoms, which themselves are the major diagnostic factors. The essay is an outline of the researches contributing to an understanding of the various aspects of the disease. Introduction: Serotonin syndrome is a combination of symptoms that occur as a result of overstimulation of specific serotonin receptors. It usually develops as a consequence of administration of more than one (rarely one) drug that is a serotonergic agent. Described as a possibility first in 1955 by Mitchell, in a tuberculosis patient administered iproniazid and meperidine simultaneously, the disease has been in existence since much longer. Initially studied as a behavioural disorder exclusively in animals (Grahame-Smith, 1971), the disease was much later associated with humans (Insel et al., 1982). The increase in incidences of the syndrome was reported as a consequence of prescribing selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) for treatment of depression, which lead to an interest in serotonin syndrome. The disease is characterized by restlessness, incessant twitching, excitement, agitation and tremor or shivering. The disease severity can vary from mild to intense, though seve re cases of disease are rarely reported and can be treated by withdrawal of causative agents as well as use of serotonin antagonists. In its most severe form the disease can even be life threatening. Serotonin: Chemically 5-hydroxytryptamin or 5HT, Serotonin is a neurotransmitter formed by hydroxylation and decarboxylation of amino acid tryptophan. It is involved in the control and expression of a plethora of feelings ranging from depression and psychosis, to hunger and slumber. It also plays important role in body temperature, sexual behaviour, pain and memory. Serotonin secreting neurons are known as serotonergic. However, serotonin function is determined