ABSTRACT

Serotonin (5–HT) has been implicated in pathological pain, anxiety and clinical depression, as well as in the mechanism of action of analgesic, anxiolytic and antidepressant drugs (Iversen, 1984; Johnston & File, 1986; Soubrie, 1986; Willner, 1985). Dysphoria or psychological suffering is a prominent complaint in all these conditions, and its alleviation a primary therapeutic goal. Thus, the question may be asked whether brain 5–HT affects the functioning of neuronal networks responsible for the elaboration of aversive states.