i have been diagnosed with anxiety and depression,how would my gp know ,how much serotonin/chemicals ,i am producing ??ie .would a blood test show?? is serotonin the only chemical when they assume is high or low ,or is there many others that could cause this ?? when they say chemical imbalnce is there many others ,what are they??
2006-06-25 03:42:55 · 9 answers · asked by shoopy213@yahoo.co.uk 2 in Health ➔ Mental Health
There is no test for serotonin levels. In fact the serotonin hypothesis in anxiety and depression isn't proven. But it is highly likely to be true. Also it is MUCH more complicated than just your serotonin level. Simply increasing serotonin levels does not aleviate anxiety or depression. I could write a book here on what it is all about, but it is extremely technical. Also serotonin is only one neurotransmitter that is believed to be off during periods of depression or anxiety. There is a lot of evidence that dopamine is also involved along with a few others.
A doctor measures your need for medication by your symptoms, not by any medical (blood) test. Good luck with your treatment. Make sure you are seeing a good psychiatrist if you are on medication and keep on looking if you don't like the one you have now. Good psychiatrists and therapists are hard to find but very worth it!
2006-06-25 04:27:09 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
chemical imbalances are caused by many things with many different varying results.. mostly mental illnesses like clinical depression, schizophrenia, or bipolar disorder..
I don't believe there is a specific test for this..
but I do know that doctors often order a blood test to check for an abnormal thyroid gland which can sometimes throw all of your body chemistry off to the point of being confulsed with a real mental issue..
I am thinking that the only way something like brain chemicals can be accurately checked is through brain imaging.. like a CAT scan or MRI.. i suppose any abnormalities would show up there and then a lenghy personality or behavioral questionaire for personal or mental traits can be administered to verify results..
I have no reliable source for this.. but it makes sense to me..
something fun to ask at your next doctors appointment.. I find it comical to hear them studder with the lack of a precise answer.. :)
Enjoy it ..
2006-06-25 03:55:05 · answer #2 · answered by lost_but_not_hopeless 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have to agree with "lost but not hopeless" Thyroid gland is a small indication because if its damaged -it throws a lot of things off. Nobody really knows what causes chemical imbalances, a lot of theories surround us though. Some things that can assist in causing chemical imbalances would be toxins such as alcohol, marijuanna, cocaine, heroine and even stress etc.... My theory is -when you have a primary chemical imbalance that is not caused by toxins or stress, it is simply in your genetic makeup. It is hopeful that in the future we will be able to identify these imbalances and cure them instead of manipulating them with medications.
Mike RN
2006-06-25 04:07:38 · answer #3 · answered by MIke D 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Do you mean "serotonin" ?
Serotonin- a potent vasoconstrictor (something that acts to decrease the caliber of blood vessels) substance secreted by argentaffin cells of the small intestine, obsorbed by blood platelets and circulated in the blood.
2006-06-25 04:17:41 · answer #4 · answered by gangadharan nair 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Some thyroid disorders can be cured, but many require lifetime treatment. Learn here https://tr.im/Yv6Wr
For example, sometimes early stage thyroid cancer can be cured by surgery to remove the thyroid gland, but you will need to take thyroid hormone medication afterwards for the rest of your life. Goiters can also be surgically removed and do not always recur after surgery. In most cases, thyroid disorders need treatment over a lifetime. However, with treatment most people with thyroid disorders can live normal, healthy lives.
2016-04-22 11:48:35 · answer #5 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
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2017-02-09 01:00:21 · answer #6 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
don't no test but serotonin :used to lift mood ,reduce anxiety ,and induce normal sleep ....just make sure when you feel better you stop ....using
2006-06-28 14:29:40 · answer #7 · answered by bobonumpty 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Check the below websites. They should have all the info you are looking for.
2006-06-25 03:46:19 · answer #8 · answered by unsersmyboy 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
hi just make sure the gp dont put you on seroxat it sent me mad?? its an anti-dep
try herbal remedies
good luck
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2006-06-26 06:01:26 · answer #9 · answered by cooking on gas!! 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋