Dr. Devasis Ghosh and his junior research fellow Anindita Guha have presented their research study on "Platelet Serotonin Level: An Essential Role in Human Behavior,
Stress Reaction and the Selection of Psychotropic Drugs" through a PowerPoint presentation before the media at press club ,Kolkata on 16th September,2023.
Kolkata based Dr. Devasis Ghosh and his colleague Anindita Guha has presented and published their research study on Platelet Serotonin Level before the committee of International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR) on Volume 12 Issue 7 edition (pages 1771 - 1777) in the month of July,2023. Platelet serotonin level in blood is pre - determined genetically &is grossly influenced by the
individual's Stress reactions. This in turn inversely influences the level of Dopamine in blood. Serotonin and
dopamine then both act together in the causation of different behavioral patterns after any stressful stimulus.
The purpose of this study was to prove: i) Significance of Platelet serotonin level estimation as a prerequisite to diagnosis and treatment of Stress. ii) Importance of considering simultaneously symptoms of both Serotonin
and Dopamine levels in blood for proper choice of medication. Some basic data and information collected from
subjects having mental stress (Perceived Stress Scale score 27 - 40). Platelet serotonin levels were estimated.
Subjects were then divided into two groups having a) Low Platelet Serotonin levels and b) High Platelet
Serotonin levels. Fifteen case studies from each group were done. Treatments were started or modified accordingly and reviewed after 2 weeks. This study shows that both high and low values of Platelet serotonin may act as a biochemical stress marker. Subjects with high serotonin level also showed symptoms of low
dopamine and vice versa. So it can be concluded that Platelet serotonin level in blood should be a routine test for any stress reaction. Symptoms of both Serotonin and Dopamine levels should be considered simultaneously, to help in the rational choice of medication. Empirical use of anti - depressants in high platelet serotonin cases may cause Serotonin syndrome. Dr. Devasis Ghosh and Anindita Guha's study found that chemicals in our blood connect to how we handle stress. The study, "Platelet Serotonin Level: An Essential Role in Human Behavior, Stress Reaction and the Selection of Psychotropic Drugs”, shows how these chemicals affect stress.
The study shows that two blood chemicals, serotonin and dopamine work together during stress. This helps us understand stress better.
Before, people thought these blood chemicals stayed the same from birth, but the study says stress changes them. They studied stressed people and grouped them by their chemical levels.
They found that having too much or too little of these chemicals can mean a lot of stress. Having a lot of one chemical e.g. serotonin can also mean having less of the other i.e dopamine and vice versa.
Dr. Devasis Ghosh, the lead researcher, said, "Checking these chemicals can help us understand the stress. Looking at both helps doctors choose treatments."
Dr. Devasis Ghosh is a 1984 Calcutta Medical College graduate, transitioned from a General Practitioner in Kolkata to a mental health Consultant and Pioneer in discovering a biochemical blood marker for stress which helps in selecting the right medication in the right dosage