Low levels of which of the following chemical substances cause depression?
Step 1: Understand what depression is in terms of neurochemistry:
Depression is a mood disorder characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of interest or pleasure in most activities. It is associated with an imbalance of certain neurotransmitters in the brain — chemicals that help transmit signals between nerve cells.
Step 2: Role of Noradrenaline:
Noradrenaline (also called norepinephrine) is a neurotransmitter involved in arousal, alertness, attention, and mood regulation. It plays a critical role in the body's "fight or flight" response and contributes to feelings of motivation and well-being.
Step 3: Link between Noradrenaline and depression:
When levels of noradrenaline are abnormally low, the ability of neurons to effectively transmit signals is impaired. This chemical imbalance is believed to be one of the contributing factors to the symptoms of depression. Several antidepressant drugs aim to increase the levels of noradrenaline (and/or serotonin) in the brain to alleviate these symptoms.
Conclusion:
A deficiency of noradrenaline in the brain has been linked to depressive disorders.
Correct Answer:
\[
\boxed{\textbf{Noradrenaline}}
\]