Anxiety / Depression
Neurotransmitter Imbalances in the Treatment of Depression, Anxiety, and Other Disorders
by Dr. Tina Marcantel
Depression, anxiety, abnormal weight gain, fatigue, insomnia, and other disorders may all be linked to imbalances of neurotransmitters and hormones. Dr. Tina Marcantel is a naturopathic physician practicing in Gilbert, Arizona. Other East Valley cities she serves are Mesa, Chandler, Tempe, Scottsdale, Queen Creek, Apache Junction, and the greater Phoenix area.
What are neurotransmitters? Neurotransmitters are naturally occurring chemicals within the brain that relay signals between the nerve cells and are required for proper brain and body function. They play a large part in our mental, emotional, and physical status. These neurotransmitters affect our moods, behavior, sleep, digestion, weight, focus, and learning ability. Most imbalances of neurotransmitters can be traced to stress or poor diet. Other causes may be genetics, environmental toxins, and other conditions. Usually patients have an imbalance that involves more than one neurotransmitter.
I am now working with Dr. Gottfried Kellermann, Ph.D., of NeuroScience, Inc. to provide test profiles to patients to detect neurotransmitter and hormone imbalances. Patient samples of urine and/or saliva are submitted for analysis of neurotransmitter and hormone levels. According to the individual lab results, the patient will then be given supplemental precursors (amino acids) that make neurotransmitters that will help in restoring them to a proper balance.
Anti-depressants like Prozac, Zoloft, and Paxil temporarily fix the symptoms of depression by rearranging neurotransmitters present in the body without adding additional neurotransmitters. However, depression usually returns after the SSRI is discontinued because the neurotransmitter level goes back to the previous low levels. On the other hand, amino acid precursors to neurotransmitters actually result in an increase in systemic neurotransmitter levels. These natural precursors restore neurotransmitters within normal ranges and eventually the patient’s supplement can be decreased depending on his or her maintenance of optimum neurotransmitter levels. These supplements can also be used in conjunction with an SSRI to boost its effect.
The treatment of neurotransmitter imbalances is especially dear to my heart. My mother and many members of her family were affected by depression and anxiety disorders. Anti-depressant drugs helped somewhat, but side effects were present and these anti-depressants were needed for years. So, with great expectancy and hope for seeing many patients helped by this treatment, I dedicate this article to my mother, Jeanne Pavy Sellers (1927-2002).
