Neurotransmitters are the chemical messengers in your brain and body. When they’re out of balance, they can drive a lot of what people struggle with, including:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Insomnia
- ADD/ADHD (in children, teens, and adults)
- Bipolar conditions
- Parkinson’s disease
- Aggression and anger
- Chronic pain and fibromyalgia
I use a mix of tools to get to the root of it: questionnaires, a detailed history, a neurological exam, and a neurotransmitter test that shows your unique balance of “on” and “off” signals in the nervous system. From there, I can support healthy neurotransmitter levels using amino acids, vitamins, and herbs.
The Test I Use
For most patients, I order the NeuroBasic Profile through Doctor’s Data, a lab that’s been doing this kind of testing since 1972. It’s a simple urine test — no needles — that checks nine neurotransmitters: dopamine, epinephrine, norepinephrine, GABA, glutamate, glycine, histamine, serotonin, and PEA. Results usually come back within a week or two.
This test shows how well your whole body is making and breaking down these chemicals, not just your brain. Neurotransmitters are active throughout your nervous system and even in your gut, so this gives us a much fuller picture. It’s helpful for mood issues, low energy, poor sleep, brain fog, cravings, and chronic pain. Once we have your results, I’ll recommend simple, targeted supplements to bring things back into balance.
What Your Results Mean
Inhibitory neurotransmitters are your body’s “off switches.” Think of them like brakes — they calm you down, help you sleep, and reduce aggression. This group includes GABA and serotonin.
Excitatory neurotransmitters are your “on switches.” Think of them like the gas pedal — they drive energy, focus, and alertness. This group includes dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine.
Other markers show me how your body is managing the balance between the two. Together, all of this helps me build a plan that’s actually right for you.
If any of this sounds familiar — anxiety, trouble sleeping, mood swings, or trouble focusing — I’d love to help you get a clearer picture and build a plan around it.
— Dr. Faith Christensen