Serotonin plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which is essential for neurogenesis and neural plasticity, particularly in the hippocampus. A reduction in BDNF is linked to impaired neuron growth and weakened neural connections, contributing to the symptoms of depression. Neuroimaging studies reveal significant structural and functional changes in the brains of those suffering from depression, highlighting the complex interplay between brain chemistry and mental health.
