The Science
Basal Neurotransmitter Levels
Understanding the role of neurotransmitters in mental health treatment
Understanding Neurotransmitters and Neurotransmission
Serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine are key neurochemical signals that regulate important functions such as memory, learning, emotions, reward processing, heart function, muscle movement, and the body's stress response. These signals help coordinate communication throughout both the brain and the body.
When these signals transmit information between brain regions, the process is called neurotransmission.
Many mental health conditions involve disruptions or imbalances in neurotransmission. Most psychiatric medications work by adjusting neurotransmitter levels in an effort to help restore balance.
Basal Neurotransmitter (Neurotransmission) Levels
Each person is born with characteristic neurotransmitter activity patterns determined by their genetic profile. These are called basal or homeostatic levels.
Some individuals naturally have relatively higher or lower activity in certain systems, while others fall within an average range. Regardless of these differences, people function normally, and this biological variation contributes to natural differences in personality and temperament.
Stress, Brain Adaptation, and Dysregulation
When we experience stress, the brain activates protective mechanisms that help us cope and maintain balance (homeostasis). Part of this adaptation involves changes in how genes regulate receptor activity. Some receptors may increase in number or sensitivity, while others may decrease, helping stabilize brain function.
If stress becomes chronic or overwhelming, these adaptive systems may become less effective. Some receptor systems can become less responsive (desensitized), while others may become overly reactive. When this occurs across key brain regions, neurochemical balance may be disrupted.
Such disruptions can contribute to symptoms including low mood, anxiety, fatigue, poor concentration, and emotional reactivity.
In effect, functional neurochemical levels may shift away from a person's natural baseline. What was once balanced may become relatively low or high, leading to changes in how a person feels and functions.
Correcting Neurochemical Imbalances
To address these imbalances, it is important to understand both:
- Your natural baseline neurochemical profile
- Your current functional neurochemical state
Measuring Basal Neurochemical Levels
Genetics remain unchanged throughout life. Because of this, genetic testing can help estimate basal (homeostatic) neurochemical tendencies.
This is done by analyzing genes involved in neurotransmitter synthesis, regulation, metabolism, and receptor function across different brain systems.
Measuring Current Neurochemical Status
At present, there are no direct clinical tests that measure real-time neurochemical regulation in the brain.
To better understand your current functional state, we use a scientifically developed symptom questionnaire that helps estimate patterns of neurochemical dysregulation.
Learn More
Get Your Personalized Report
Discover which medications are best suited for your unique genetic profile.