Serotonin, often called the brain’s “feel-good” chemical, may have an unexpected downside. New research suggests it could worsen tinnitus by activating specific brain circuits linked to the condition.
Using advanced light-based stimulation in mice, scientists identified a serotonin-driven pathway that directly increased tinnitus-like behavior. This discovery may explain why some people notice louder ringing in their ears when taking antidepressants like SSRIs, which boost serotonin levels.
The findings challenge long-held assumptions about serotonin’s role in the brain and open new directions for treating tinnitus by targeting these specific neural circuits.
Read more at ScienceDaily
