Serotonin and Noradrenaline Scientists have found a biochemical link in which defective genes and the environment interact to produce abnormal levels of two mind-altering brain neurotransmitters, serotonin and noradrenaline. Serotonin is the brain s master impulse modulator for all our emotions and drives. It especially keeps aggression in line. When serotonin levels fall, depression, impulsive aggression, alcoholism, sexual deviance and explosive rage rises. High levels of serotonin cause shyness, obsessive compulsion, fearfulness, lack of self-confidence and unduly dampened aggression.
Noradrenaline is the alarm hormone.
It organizes the brain to respond to anger, producing adrenaline and other chemicals that prepare the body to fight or flee. Low levels of noradrenaline cause underarousal, increased tendencies towards premeditated or cold blooded acts of violence and thrill seeking. High levels of noradrenaline cause over- arousal, increased tendencies towards impulsive, hot blooded acts of violence and a rapid heartbeat. But when these chemicals are overactive as a result of persistent stresses encountered during fetal development or early childhood, they can take over genetic regulation. Traumatic experiences set up faulty brain chemistry and manifest as the release of low serotonin and high noradrenaline.