About Neurotransmitter Panel

 

For our Neurotransmitter Panel, 8 gene variants have been chosen by our experts to be analyzed for SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphisms).

A neurotransmitter imbalance can cause or contribute to the following problems:

 

  • Persistent sadness or loss of interest
  • Panic or fear states
  • Attention deficits and hyperactivity
  • Disorders associated with mood swings
  • Sleeplessness
  • Weight Issues
  • Hormone and Adrenal Dysfunction
  • Memory Issues
  • Migraines / Headaches

 

The reports, created by our medical experts, will take the patient’s genetic results and create nutritional and lifestyle recommendations along with recommended lab work and health precautions based upon many factors and their clinical expertise. The report assists the provider to recommend the proper nutrition and health advisements safely based on the patient’s DNA results.

Brain Chemistry of Neurotransmitters


Billions of neurons exist in the brain and they all need to work appropriately. These cells share information with other nerve cells through electrical impulses, allowing for thought and communication throughout the body. Neurotransmitters inform many necessary processes like getting your heart to beat, your stomach to digest, or your lungs to breathe. While all neurotransmitters transmit information, they do not all do so in the same manner or with the same intention.

Serotonin & Dopamine - Technically the Only Two Things You Enjoy

There are “inhibitory” neurotransmitters and “excitatory” neurotransmitters. Inhibitory neurotransmitters work to counterbalance excitatory neurotransmitters and are considered the “feel-good” neurotransmitters. GABA, serotonin, and dopamine are among a few. They allow the brain to calm and feel balanced. Excitatory neurotransmitters are responsible for motivation, focus, anxiety, stress, and more. Norepinephrine and epinephrine (noradrenaline and adrenaline) are classified as excitatory, stimulating the brain.

Imbalance of Inhibitory & Excitatory Neurotransmitters​

There are “inhibitory” neurotransmitters and “excitatory” neurotransmitters. Inhibitory neurotransmitters work to counterbalance excitatory neurotransmitters and are considered the “feel-good” neurotransmitters. GABA, serotonin, and dopamine are among a few. They allow the brain to calm and feel balanced. Excitatory neurotransmitters are responsible for motivation, focus, anxiety, stress, and more. Norepinephrine and epinephrine (noradrenaline and adrenaline) are classified as excitatory, stimulating the brain.

Genes Associated With Depression / Neurotransmitter Dysfunction​

Lingering sadness disorders are not genetically inherited, but the potential in each person is epigenetically modified by environment, stress, genetic makeup and nutritional health. In the nutrigenomic world, the risk factors are associated with two genes that are associated with a higher risk of developing relative disorders. These genes do not guarantee any person will develop these disorders. The specific genes are the MAO and COMT. Both of these genes affect the speed at which neurotransmitters are broken down and cleared from the post synaptic receptor. In both MAO A and B homozygous and COMT homozygous, the mono-amines are cleared from the receptor site in a sluggish manner. This makes the post synaptic neuron less adaptable to changes in neurotransmitter status and leads to a higher likelihood of lingering sadness, loss of interest, and/or anxiety in that patient. By assisting these mutations with methyl donors (ie taurine, methionine, choline, inositol), the practitioner can speed the clearance of the neurotransmitters and lessen the likelihood of the aforementioned symptoms.

 

How Neurotransmitter Genetic Testing Can Help

 

The issues that accompany an imbalance of inhibitory and excitatory neurotransmitters can be exacerbated by specific genetic SNPs in neurotransmitter markers like COMT, MAO-A, MAO-B, GAB 12. Drugs (recreational and/or prescription), neurotoxins, stress, alcohol, poor diet, and caffeine can also fuel symptoms by encouraging these SNPs to further express themselves.

The neurotransmitter genetic testing shares what SNPs you have within the neurotransmitter markers. This information allows Rx Gene Therapy to recommend nutritionally support specific to those genetic shortcomings. Ultimately, neurotransmitter genetic testing lets doctors and their patients understand their underlying issues with neurotransmitter function and implement personalized solutions.