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OCD, Obesity and Social Dominance
Serotonin helps prevent various physiological and psychological defects. Low levels are linked to obsessive-compulsive disorder and obesity. Research at UCLA has suggested that increasing the serotonin levels can suppress appetite and OCD-related behavior. Other UCLA research concluded that socially dominant rats had higher serotonin levels than rats that were not dominant.
Depression
Low levels of serotonin have been found in depressed people. A low number of serotonergic cells and tainted serotonin receptors hampers the neurotransmitter system. In other words, the nerve impulses necessary to make people happy aren't functioning normally when serotonin levels are down. Medications such as Prozac and Paxil can mimic the behavior of serotonin and improve a person's mood. They can also stimulate already existing serotonin, though these medications do have side effects.
Heart Attack
People with higher serotonin levels are at less risk of heart attack. Serotonin prevents the clotting of blood, which is a direct cause of heart attacks, due to a lack of oxygen-rich blood reaching the heart.
Migraines
Similar to the anti-clotting effects of serotonin around the heart, vessels in the brain can become clogged with low levels of serotonin, which cause the vessels to relax and open and force blood into the brain tissue while inflaming the vessel and causing migraines. The nerves send pain that can be experienced as flashing lights or cold breezes.
Other Uses
Serotonin helps to increase sleep, while decreasing anxiety, schizophrenia, pain, hypertension, nausea and hypertension. According to "Serotonin and Its Uses," by Andrea Byrd at serendip.brynmawr.edu, it is because serotonin is so widespread in the central nervous system that is has such a great influence on the way you behave and feel.