Platelet Serotonin Level: An Essential Role in Human Behavior, Stress Reaction and the Selection of Psychotropic Drugs

Platelet serotonin level in blood is pre -determined genetically &is grossly influenced by the individual's Stress reactions.This in turn inversely influences the level of Dopamine in blood.Serotonin and dopamine then both act together in the causation of different behavioral patterns after any stressful stimulus.The purpose of this study was to prove: i) Significance of Platelet serotonin level estimation as a prerequisite to diagnosis and treatment of Stress.ii) Importance of considering simultaneously symptoms of both Serotonin and Dopamine levels in blood for proper choice of medication.Some basic data and information collected from subjects having mental stress (Perceived Stress Scale score 27 -40).Platelet serotonin levels were estimated.Subjects were then divided into two groups having a) Low Platelet Serotonin levels and b) High Platelet Serotonin levels.Fifteen case studies from each group were done.Treatments were started or modified accordingly and reviewed after 2 weeks.This study shows that both high and low values of Platelet serotonin may act as a biochemical stress marker.Subjects with high serotonin level also showed symptoms of low dopamine and vice versa.So it can be concluded that Platelet serotonin level in blood should be a routine test for any stress reaction.Symptoms of both Serotonin and Dopamine levels should be considered simultaneously, to help in the rational choice of medication.Empirical use of anti -depressants in high platelet serotonin cases may cause Serotonin syndrome.