Serotonin in Critical Illness: How Severe Disease Disrupts Mood Chemistry
How Does Critical Illness Affect Your Body’s Serotonin System?
Critical illness dramatically alters serotonin synthesis and function throughout the body, with blood serotonin levels potentially increasing 1000-fold during severe inflammation. This surge affects immune responses, blood clotting, cardiovascular function, and gut motility - making serotonin a key player in both the development of complications and the recovery process from serious illness.
Dr. Kumar’s Take
Understanding serotonin’s role in critical illness is crucial for intensive care medicine because it affects so many organ systems simultaneously. What’s particularly important is that critically ill patients often receive multiple medications that interact with serotonin pathways - opioids, antiemetics, and antidepressants - creating risk for dangerous serotonin syndrome. The key insight is that serotonin isn’t just about mood in the ICU; it’s about survival.