Study shows that serotonin levels may be linked to autism

By Staff Writer

A study recently published in the Journal of Neurochemistry reveals that the neurotransmitter serotonin may play a role in many cases of autism.

Researchers found that 30 percent of autism cases may have a serotonin component. The neurotransmitter is linked to an individual's feelings of happiness and well-being. They used a drug called buspirone to determine if genetic variations result in diminished transmissions of serotonin between neurons.

The study found that the drug increased transmission by mimicking the effects of serotonin at the the receptor sites. Researchers are quick to note that this drug does not treat behaviors of autism but instead it shows that serotonin is involved in a significant portion of autism cases.

Researchers added that they will now study the impact of a diet rich in tryptophan, which is a biochemical precursor of serotonin. The amino acid is converted into serotonin during the metabolic process.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an estimated one in 110 children are diagnosed with autism each year.