Study: The Effects Of Serotonin On Spirituality

[Winnow]

Get those serotonin levels down people!

Psychology Today | July 21, 2008

According to Psychology Today and referencing the American Journal of Psychiatry, serotonin, the brain chemical in charge of moderating mood, metabolism, and sexuality, has been linked to spiritual experiences. Psychology Today reports:

A team of Swedish researchers has found that the presence of a receptor that regulates general serotonin activity in the brain correlates with people's capacity for transcendence, the ability to apprehend phenomena that cannot be explained objectively. Scientists have long suspected that serotonin influences spirituality because drugs known to alter serotonin such as LSD also induce mystical experiences. But now they have proof from brain scans linking the capacity for spirituality with a major biological element.

So what does this mean? Well, the researchers believe that it provides evidence that religiosity and spirituality are not defined necessarily or entirely by environmental or cultural factors, such as upbringing. Basically, those with a higher concentration of serotonin receptors will therefore most likely show a stronger inclination towards spiritual acceptance.

What do you think? Does this belittle the notion of spirituality or encourage it? Tell us your thoughts below.

[Xatrei]

OMG WE GET IT. YOU DON'T BELIEVE IN GOD. NO MORE NEEDS TO BE SAID SO STFU KPLZTKS. STOP PERSECUTING THE BELIEVERS FFS!!!

The fact that this is an interesting current event of interest to many VVers and, thus, worthy of mention is irrelevant.

[Winnow]

This reminds me of the move Equilibrium.

[laneela]

I'm not a doctor, but isn't high levels of serotonin a good thing? (Arb, help a sister out)

From my very basic understanding of psychiatry, to fight depression and anxiety, excelarating your serotonin levels naturally (by excercising) or taking prescribed medications to boost your serotonin levels is recommended. A low serotonin level can bring about onsets of depression, insomnia and weight gain, while higher levels make you... pretty much a happier, more productive person.

I don't know who did this study or about its scientific validity but basically what they're saying is that people who are likely to be overweight and suffer from several psychological problems, including and not limited to clinical depression are more likely to be atheists. I don't think that's a win for you, Winnow. =P

[Winnow]

Some people just can't handle their serotonin is all!

Cacao (and dark chocolate) raises serotonin levels and I chow down plenty of that so Serotonin can't be bad for everyone.

As an experiment, if you are an atheist, eat a half pound of cacao nibs or dark chocolate. See if you feel spiritual and start to feel religious. If so, your brain may be defective and you need to lay off serotonin producing foods. On the other side, any believers out there, stop eating chocolate for a year and see if this God thing seems less interesting to you.

[Gzette]

So for those born with naturally high seratonin levels, its like being born with the spirit.

Or, for those who are born with a naturally high seratonin level are happy and religious, because ignorance is bliss.

[Canelek]

This thread has been officially Winnergized.

[Arborealus]

I'm not a doctor, but isn't high levels of serotonin a good thing? (Arb, help a sister out)

From my very basic understanding of psychiatry, to fight depression and anxiety, excelarating your serotonin levels naturally (by excercising) or taking prescribed medications to boost your serotonin levels is recommended. A low serotonin level can bring about onsets of depression, insomnia and weight gain, while higher levels make you... pretty much a happier, more productive person.

I don't know who did this study or about its scientific validity but basically what they're saying is that people who are likely to be overweight and suffer from several psychological problems, including and not limited to clinical depression are more likely to be atheists. I don't think that's a win for you, Winnow. =P

Well high levels are better than low levels. Normal levels are better. Too much serotonin can cause delusions (clearly ).

Ya can't really say

"that people who are likely to be overweight and suffer from several psychological problems, including and not limited to clinical depression are more likely to be atheists."

based on this research. It doesn't necessarily follow based on the research though it would be logical to hypothesize that might be so based on these findings.

[Spang]

I like serotonin in my coffee.