Chemical Anxiety
What does “chemical imbalance” mean and what is the link?
Hi. I have tried really hard to search for the possible meanings of chemical imbalance. What comes up are diagrams of the neuron synapsis and information that there is something wrong with the balance of/or amount of neuron transmitters. However what is the link between this and depression, anxiety, panic attacks, and OCD? The information is very scarce.
Please can you give me references to (scientific) articles that directly relates one of these mental disorders to shown differences/activity/structures in the brain.
Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor, Serotonin Transporter, and Depression: Comment on Kaufman et al
Biological Psychiatry, Volume 61, Issue 9, 1 May 2007, Pages 1112-1113
Allan V. Kalueff, M. Wheaton, R. Ren-Patterson and D.L. Murphy
This is just one link of thousands when you do a search for “depression” + “serotonin” for example on Science Direct or Athens – even Google Scholar. There is alot to choose from.
Wikipedia is a good place to start; searches of serotonin, dopamine etc can come up with pretty comprehensive explanations of their functions.
Using the example of the connection between serotonin and depression and anxiety etc, the effectiveness of SSRI’s indicate that increased levels of serotonin in the synapse have anti-depressant effects. The SSRI’s increase the amount of serotonin in the synapse by inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin from the synapse. Out of all the antidepressants this is frequently found to be most effective with the least sideffects. NARIs increase the level of the noradernaline in the synapse working in a similar way to the SSRIs. There are also MAOIs that inhibit the metabolic degredation of monoamines by monomine oxidase in the treatment of depression etc. However, these are old-fashioned drugs and are less commonly used these days.
Antianxiety medications are often benzodiazepines such as diazepam. These bind to benzodiazepine receptors that are linked to GABAa receptors in a complex involving GABAa and benzodiazepine receptors and a choride channel. The opening of this channel allows passage of chloride ions into the neurone and therefore hyperpolarization of the latter. It can be very addictive and potentially lethal if you drink on it!
Reference:
Puri, B.; Laking, P.; Treasaden, I (2002)Textbook of Psychiatry Second Edition. Churchill Livingstone, U.K.
Goodluckx
Anxiety Hangover – “Cancer” – My Chemical Romance cover.
|
|
Alpha-endorphin molecule Photo Mugs Alpha-endorphin molecule. Molecular model of the analgesic (painkilling) peptide alpha-endorphin. This molecule is released by the pituitary gland at times of stress or great pain. It causes insensitivity to pain and feeling of well being. Atoms are represented as spheres and are colour-coded carbon (grey), hydrogen (white), oxygen (red), nitrogen (blue) and sulphur (yellow)….. |
|
|
Beta-endorphin molecule Photo Mugs Beta-endorphin molecule. Molecular model of the analgesic (painkilling) peptide beta-endorphin. This molecule is released by the pituitary gland at times of stress or great pain. It causes insensitivity to pain and feeling of well being. Atoms are represented as spheres and are colour-coded carbon (grey), hydrogen (white), oxygen (red), nitrogen (blue) and sulphur (yellow)….. |
|
|
Buspirone anti-anxiety drug molecule Photo Mugs Buspirone anti-anxiety drug. Computer model of a molecule of buspirone, marketed as Buspar, an anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) drug. Molecules are represented as rods and are colour-coded carbon (green), hydrogen (white), oxygen (red) and nitrogen (blue). It is not known exactly how buspirone works, but it is thought to mimic serotonin, a neurotransmitter that has various effects on the brain….. |
|
|
ABC News 20/20 Panic Attacks. Don’t Panic $19.95 There is a kind of pain that is invisible and terrifying — panic attacks. In their most extreme form, people are so paralyzed with fear that for years they are unable even to leave their own homes. Psychologist David Barlow and Director of the Center for Anxiety and Related Disorders at Boston University says a number of factors, including heredity and stress can make a person vulnerable to panic… |
|
|
Eclectic Institute Inc California Poppy … |
|
|
Super Balanced Neurotransmitter Complex® 750mg 90 Caps $21.95 If you remove all the water and fat from the body, 75% of what remains are amino acids. Amino Acids are the building blocks of all proteins. You cannot store essential amino acids so they must be replenished daily by supplementation. An unbalanced diet, anxiety and stress plus other factors can contribute to disturbances in amino acid metabolism. |
|
|
Kneipp Pure Harmony Mineral Bath Salt – Orange and Linden Blossom $15.00 This product meets our natural beauty standards with a high concentration of quality natural botanicals while keeping harsh chemicals to a minimum. The Orange and Linden Blossom aroma combination is very uplifting and harmonizing. The Orange Blossom is known to reduce stress and anxiety. In Europe, Linden Blossom is known to reduce stress and nervous tension. Together, they … |
|
|
Photo Jigsaw Puzzle of Alpha-endorphin molecule from Science Photo Library $25.00 Photo Puzzle, Alpha-endorphin molecule. Alpha-endorphin molecule. Molecular model of the analgesic (painkilling) peptide alpha-endorphin. This molecule is released by the pituitary gland at times of stress or great pain. It causes insensitivity to pain and feeling of well being. Atoms are represented as spheres and are colour-coded carbon (grey), hydrogen (white), oxygen (red), nitrogen (blue) and… |
|
|
Photo Jigsaw Puzzle of Beta-endorphin molecule from Science Photo Library $25.00 Photo Puzzle, Beta-endorphin molecule. Beta-endorphin molecule. Molecular model of the analgesic (painkilling) peptide beta-endorphin. This molecule is released by the pituitary gland at times of stress or great pain. It causes insensitivity to pain and feeling of well being. Atoms are represented as spheres and are colour-coded carbon (grey), hydrogen (white), oxygen (red), nitrogen (blue) and su… |
|
|
Photo Jigsaw Puzzle of Buspirone anti-anxiety drug molecule from Science Photo Library $25.00 Photo Puzzle, Buspirone anti-anxiety drug molecule. Buspirone anti-anxiety drug. Computer model of a molecule of buspirone, marketed as Buspar, an anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) drug. Molecules are represented as rods and are colour-coded carbon (green), hydrogen (white), oxygen (red) and nitrogen (blue). It is not known exactly how buspirone works, but it is thought to mimic serotonin, a neurotransmit… |
Leave your response!