Citation

LeMarquand D, Pihl RO, Benkelfat C. Biol. Psychiatry 1994; 36(5): 326-337.

Affiliation

Department of Psychology, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1994, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

7993959

Abstract

A large body of literature has emerged concerning the role of the neurotransmitter serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, or 5-HT) in the regulation of alcohol intake and the development of alcoholism. Despite the wealth of information, the functional significance of this neurotransmitter remains to be fully elucidated. This paper, part one of a two-part review, summarizes the available clinical research along two lines: the effects of alcohol on serotonergic functioning and the effects of pharmacological manipulation of serotonergic functioning on alcohol intake in normal (nonalcohol dependent) and alcohol-dependent individuals. It is concluded that considerable evidence exists to support the notion that some alcoholic individuals may have lowered central serotonin neurotransmission.

Language: en