Which neurotransmitter is primarily associated with mood regulation?

Serotonin is primarily associated with mood regulation due to its crucial role in the brain's emotional and mood-related functions. It is often referred to as the "feel-good" neurotransmitter, as it significantly influences feelings of well-being and happiness. Abnormal levels of serotonin are linked to mood disorders such as depression and anxiety. This neurotransmitter helps regulate various bodily functions beyond mood, including sleep, appetite, and digestion, but its most recognized role remains in mood stabilization and enhancement.

Dopamine, while also involved in mood and emotional responses, is primarily associated with reward processing and the regulation of pleasure and motivation. Norepinephrine plays a role in arousal and alertness, as well as the body’s stress response, which can affect mood indirectly. Glutamate serves primarily as an excitatory neurotransmitter involved in cognition, learning, and memory rather than direct mood regulation. Thus, serotonin is the most directly linked neurotransmitter when it comes to the management and modulation of mood.