Low activity of 'serotonin' neurotransmitter has been associated with
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → Depression
A neuro-transmitter is the chemical a nerve ending releases to carry a message across the synapse. Abnormal activity of certain neuro-transmitters can lead to specific psychological disorders.
Option (1) Paranoia — Incorrect. Paranoia is a state of persistent, unfounded suspicion that others mean to harm one; it appears among the conditions that the subscales of the MMPI seek to diagnose. No neuro-transmitter finding is given for it, while low serotonin is linked to depression.
Option (2) Anxiety — Incorrect. Anxiety disorders have been linked to low activity of GABA (gamma aminobutyric acid), not of serotonin.
Option (3) Depression — Correct. Depression has been linked to low activity of serotonin.
Option (4) Schizophrenia — Incorrect. Schizophrenia has been linked to excess activity of dopamine, a different neuro-transmitter and the opposite direction (excess, not low).
Note: A similar question was also asked in CUET (UG) 2025 on 20-05-2025 (Slot 1).
NCERT (2025-26): “Factors Underlying Abnormal Behaviour … a tiny space called synapse separates one neuron from the next, and the message must move across that space. When an electrical impulse reaches a neuron’s ending, the nerve ending is stimulated to release a chemical, called a neuro-transmitter. Studies indicate that abnormal activity by certain neuro-transmitters can lead to specific psychological disorders. Anxiety disorders have been linked to low activity of the neurotransmitter gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA), schizophrenia to excess activity of dopamine, and depression to low activity of serotonin.…” |