Neurotransmitter Profile
Neurotransmitters are brain and nervous system chemicals that are essential for healthy mood and nervous system function. Low or high levels of neurotransmitters are observed in various mental health disorders, such as depression, anxiety, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), Parkinson’s disease and panic attacks.
The Neurotransmitter Profile tests for all the main neurotransmitters made in a patient’s body, and includes a correlation analysis section, written by the clinical department, which relates the patients’ symptoms with their corresponding lab results, as an aide to the practitioner.
The neurotransmitter profile tests for the following
Serotonin
Serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine) is an inhibitory neurotransmitter synthesised in serotonergic neurons in the central nervous system (CNS) and enterochromaffin cells of the gastrointestinal tract and is responsible for mood regulation – it is our “happy chemical”.
Dopamine
Dopamine is an excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitter synthesized in many areas of the brain. Dopamine is involved in reward-motivated behavior. Most types of reward increase the level of dopamine in the brain, and many addictive drugs increase dopamine neuronal activity.
Noradrenaline and adrenaline
Noradrenaline (norepinephrine) and adrenaline (epinephrine) are excitatory neurotransmitters as well as hormones. These hormones are involved in the stress and fight-flight response.
GABA
GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) is an amino acid that functions as an inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain. It is also known as the “calming” chemical, and it also regulates muscle tone.
Glutamate
Glutamate is a major mediator of excitatory signals in the brain and is involved in most aspects of normal brain function including cognition, memory and learning.