Can an imbalance in a neurotransmitter create mood problems?

We are trying to understand the connection between neurotransmitters and the imbalance in our emotional systems that can create so many problems in our lives.
The human body and brain have a complex way of functioning, and it is extremely difficult to determine the amount of chemicals and the kind of chemicals required to maintain a proper balance. Perfect balance may be impossible to attain, however we can always try and see the possibilities and research for the best course of action. Neurotransmitters are chemicals that regulate and balance various processes of our brain, like mental performance, emotional balance and pain response. The interaction and balance of these neurotransmitters can easily make a big difference in our physical and mental health. Proper balance will therefore make us feel good about ourselves; however imbalance can create a more down and stressed situation.
Complex diseases like anxiety and depression can sometimes be caused by this imbalance of the neurotransmitters.

The most common chemicals that regulate our emotions include serotonin, dopamine and nor epinephrine. Serotonin imbalance is one of the most common causes of stress, depression and related issues among people in the United States. If you have symptoms of depression or anxiety like fatigue, irritability, low energy, migraines, sleeping problems, crave sweets and feel sad at all times, you may be suffering from a serotonin deficiency. It is a vicious circle. Hormones and estrogen affect the levels of serotonin, and that can be the reason why women have so many problems with mood swings, and then on the other hand stress also reduces the level of serotonin.

On the other hand, chemicals and neurotransmitters like Dopamine and Nor epinephrine affect your motivation and self drive, energy levels and general interests. They are the positive feelings in you and the ones that encourage you to be happy and healthy. When we are faced with the deficiency of these neurotransmitters, then we become sad, depressed, no energy and lack of motivation. These in turn can lead us to becoming addicted to smoking, drugs, alcohol and overeating which in turn affect our physical bodies directly and very fast.

Research done on neurotransmitters has confirmed that, if not balanced, these chemicals can cause many physical and emotional problems like depression, anxiety, panic attacks, insomnia, eating disorders, chronic pains, migraines, adrenal dysfunction and even early death.

There are many causes for the imbalance of neurotransmitters in our system, but prolonged period of stress and a fast paced lifestyle, without a proper diet can contribute to their depletion. Also, proper intake of vitamins, proteins and minerals may create an imbalance in the process required to balance the neurotransmitters in the system. There are other important factors that can affect the balance like genetic factors, faulty metabolism and poor digestive absorption. There are also some drugs and medicines that can damage the nerves that make neurotransmitters. The list is long and interesting, however it is all basically related to our lifestyle and diet, as foods like caffeine, alcohol, nicotine, antidepressants and some cholesterol lowering medications also affect the levels of these neurotransmitters.

There are tests available now to make sure that your neurotransmitters are balanced. Unfortunately, when we have depression symptoms and we consult a doctor, we normally come out with a list of antidepressants to control the symptoms of depression or anxiety only. There is no system that is actually trying to understand the root cause of the problem and how to handle the situation. There are very sophisticated and accurate tests done basically using urine or blood samples to determine the levels of neurotransmitters available in your system and the actual requirements. It will also let you know which chemicals are out of balance and how to go about bringing back a balance in them which is a very important factor to combat the effects that this imbalance is creating in your body and emotional system. However, they differ from person to person, so that is why it is extremely important to undergo the tests.

Nutrient therapies are also available which are considered to be very safe for your own well-being. These nutrients cross the blood brain barrier and then directly affect the brain and the balance process of the neurotransmitters. They are of course prescribed in accordance with the results of the tests and will again vary from person to person. Antidepressants don't really function in these cases, as the drug is basically directed at helping ease out the symptoms of depression or anxiety.

If the root cause of your depression or anxiety is chemical and neurotransmitters imbalance, the antidepressants may seem to work for a little while or not work at all right from the start. Some studies have also shown that antidepressants can cause suicidal thoughts in the patient. It is therefore very important to study and find the real and root cause of the problem and address it properly and with the proper guidance to have the required results.