Why Do Serotonin Imbalances Differ In Different People?

QUESTION:

Dear Dr. Heller,

Hi, I am doing a research paper about OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder).  I read that it can be caused by a serotonin imbalance.  Is that true?  My main question is: Why does a serotonin imbalance in some manifest differently than in others?  If you could answer that question, I would really appreciate it.

Thank You

ANSWER:

Neural science hasn't progressed far enough to understand it all yet.  Sometimes an imbalance is present, sometimes certain neurotransmitter receptors are over reactive to serotonin, sometimes under reactive.  There are over 15 serotonin receptors that have been found already.

OCD may actually be a form of epilepsy (nerve cells firing inappropriately and out of control).  MRI brain studies have shown some differences from normal.

Medicines that raise serotonin improve OCD symptoms in most patients (Prozac, Zoloft, etc.), although high doses of the vitamin inositol can also improve symptoms.