There appears to be growing evidence that in Autism, what we may be seeing chemically, at the brain level, could have to do with a serotonin imbalance. For many years it’s been thought that for people who have depression, mood problems, mood instability issues, difficulty learning, etc, could actually have a deficiency in serotonin. It’s been thought even too with some of the kids on the Autism spectrum that there may be a serotonin deficiency which can again lead to some of the mood problems, behavioral problems, depressive episodes, as well as issues in learning, attention, etc. In many cases, if it’s real severe, kids are put on things that help to stimulate serotonin or at least preserve the serotonin production in the brain such as things like Zoloft and Paxil and whatnot. And in some cases it does help with some of their underlying sensory issues.
But, it may be what were looking at is well we’re not necessarily have a true deficiency of serotonin, but the active metabolite of serotonin is not being produced adequately. There’s an enzyme in our body, and it’s active in the brain, called MAOA (Monoamine oxidase A) and there’s actually two versions MAO-A and MAO-B. MAO-A helps to convert serotonin, it also helps to convert norepinephrine and histamine but specifically serotonin it actually helps to convert it into its active form. And when you convert it into its active form, the serotonin works more effectively and therefore we’ve seen an improvement in many of the underlying issues in kids on the Spectrum the less self stimulatory behavior, improved sensory issues, attention, focusing, learning capabilities. And one interesting thing about serotonin if it’s actually too high in it’s inactive state, it actually can inhibit oxytocin receptors and we know that oxytocin is very important for eye contact, facial expression recognition, socialization and even anxiety. So again, going back to understanding the biochemistry of how things work in the brain is critically important and specifically important in the condition of Autism.
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March 16th, 2010 at 9:03 am
Monoamine oxidase A does not convert serotonin into its “active form.” It metabolizes the neurotransmitter, producing the byproducts 5-Hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA), ammonia, and hydrogen peroxide. Serotonin itself is a psychoactive molecule, and it activates the 5-HT receptors. Metabolizing serotonin via MAO-A actually renders the neurotransmitter inactive.
March 28th, 2010 at 3:06 pm
How do you know if Prozac is your best option or if there is a problem with MAO-A? How significant is the difference in the behavior changes between the two treatments? Can Prozac be ‘harmful’ if there is actually a problem with the MAO-A?
My son has severe anxiety and sensory issues. We have used Prozac for about a year now. We have seen improvements in our and his ability to go places and some of his sensitivities. Thank you!
April 21st, 2010 at 10:34 am
Serotonin (as 5-HT) is converted (or metabolized) into 5-hydroxyindoleacetoaldehyde (5-HIAL) by MAO-A. Once this complexes with the post-synaptic receptor site the excreted metabolite is 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA). The 5-HIAL is called the ‘active aldehyde.’ My purpose with these videos and transcribed articles is to disseminate general information about various therapies and not make it overly technical. At times this warrants the discussion of biochemical concepts, but again I am trying to keep things basic for general understanding purposes. Thanks you for your commentary about serotonin and MAO-A.
June 1st, 2010 at 5:36 am
What is a good support for MAO-A enzyme?
July 15th, 2010 at 2:19 am
Dear Dr. Woeller,
Our son Vihaan, Age 3 years 3 months has been diagnosed od ASD recently. The Serotonin test done in Feb 2010 suggested that Vihaan has very high levels of Serotonin. Do you think this reserpine therapy would help him?
August 9th, 2010 at 1:07 pm
My daughter has a MAO A mutation and suffers from anxiety & OCD. She also exhibits poor eye contact and has difficulty with social language and concentration. I’ve tried to learn how to nutritionally support MAO-A but haven’t found much. How can we “fix” MAO-A, thus decreasing inactive serotonin and increasing serotonin?
August 11th, 2010 at 8:55 am
I also would like to know what is a good support for MAO_A enzyme?
January 29th, 2011 at 6:21 pm
So this begs the question: How can MAO-A or MAO-B be manipulated externally – directly or indirectly – via drugs/supplements/etc. ?
April 22nd, 2011 at 1:24 am
I have been on Paxil for almost two decades. It has helped me (on the surface). But I decided to stop (progressively but surely) that treatment over a period of 4 months. Now am off Paxil at last ! I realised when I went “cold-turkey with muscle cramps, breaking out in tears, slurred speech, PROFUSE cold sweating, blurred vision and even hallucinations with night frights while withdrawing from the drug that I had been hooked on what my doctor had said was a “non-addictive medication”. The waning periode which lasted two months is now coming to an end and, when I feel really bad, I take herbal medication (supplements) (Seredyn) before going to bed to relax into sleep. This was absolute hell but am SO HAPPY TO BE FREE from that drug now. Taking long, calm walks in the country, reading good books and protecting myself as much as I can from the general bad news coming from the world, is the way to hold on to sanity and not panic..
April 22nd, 2011 at 1:27 am
P.S. NEVER take the herbal supplements while on Serotonin re-uptake medication, as its interaction can be really hazardous for one’s health. Withrawing from a drug must be accompanied by Behaviour Cognitive Therapy with a trustworthy professional.
May 19th, 2011 at 12:42 pm
I also would love to know if they is any way we can help support this naturally , through our childs diet for instance? Is there any particular vitamins or foods which can help to support the enzyme/ serotonin conversion?? Any direction would be much appreciated as my child (asd) suffers form strong mood swings and general sad moods.
November 4th, 2011 at 9:34 am
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