Asthma und Serotonin

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Asthma medication may influence the psychological functioning of children.

Pretorius E.

Department of Anatomy, University of Pretoria, P.O. Box 2034, Pretoria 0001,

South Africa. resia.pretorius@...

Asthma is a global health problem with up to 15% of children suffering from the

disease. It has been shown by various researchers that symptomatic asthmatic

patients have increased levels of free serotonin in plasma when compared with

asymptomatic patients. Thus, some researchers suggest that reducing the

concentration of free serotonin in plasma might be useful in treating patients

with asthma. Low levels of serotonin, has however, been linked to various

psychological conditions like depression, oppositional defiant disorder, ADHD

and even conduct disorder. Research has indicated that products like

methylphenidate (also known by the brand names as e.g., Ritalin, Concerta,

Metadate and others) and other stimulants used for these conditions,

particularly ADHD, exert their paradoxical calming effects by boosting serotonin

levels in the brain. Therefore, the hypothesis suggest that some children using

asthma medication that lowers serotonin levels, might present with symptoms of

depression ADHD, oppositional defiant disorder and even conduct disorder. They

may be using asthma medication that lowers serotonin and additionally use

methylphenidate that boosts serotonin levels for e.g., ADHD. The hypothesis

therefore suggests that asthmatic children presenting with psychological

complaints, be treated holistically and serotonin levels measured before coming

to conclusions regarding their psychological functioning. Copyright 2004

Elsevier Ltd.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15288358?itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.P\

ubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_RVDocSum & ordinalpos=97