Is it possible to control neurotransmitters in the brain using only thought?

Question

Hi,

I've read some time ago that if you remember a plesant event vividly then serotonin is enhanced in the brain. Is this true? Can we really control the production of neurotransmitters using visualisation? Are there any published studies about this?

If so, what types of thoughts would trigger some of the main neurotransmitters?
Remembering a plesant event - serotonin? dopamine?
Deep breathing / peaceful thoughts - GABA?

Answer 1

Anything is possible. There are schools of thought who dedicate themselves to imagery, like you described as remembering a pleasant event vividly, and using imagery to help aid in the recovery of illnesses both mental and physical. The studies and research on imagery are not very concrete, and this type of therapy is used in conjunction with or as an alternative to traditional medicines. For example, cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy may also have a session with a therapist where, through imagery, the patient is guided through their mind's eye to the place in there body where the cancer is, and through imagery, imagine that tumor getting smaller, imagine the T cells attacking and eating away at the cancer cells - the theory behind this is to have the patient "see" themselves getting better to aid in a quicker and more efficient remission. There are many cases where imagery has been successful in aiding people with a multitude of ailments, however, due to the nature of this type of therapy, it is very difficult to measure it's effectiveness. As with anything, and as I mentioned in the very beginning, anything is possible. With this type of therapy, the subject would have to be a very capable candidate of deep meditation and relaxation, and still, nothing is guaranteed with this method. Remembering an event is not the same as experiencing the event in person - again, keeping in mind that some people are better at this than others - recalling a pleasant event, do you feel it would make you as happy as you were when it was happening to you for real? Seriously, I would advise you to take your meds, and then combine your medication with a psychologist trained in imagery therapy, and the combination would be a good place to start. As you get better at the meditation and imagery, you may be able to decrease your dependace on the medications to regulate your seratonin and dopamine levels. Typically, reuptakeinhibitors are prescribed, they allow the chemicals released in the brain when you are happy to linger a while longer, so as to hold off the sadness feelings. You best consult a physician to be sure. Please, do not self diagnose, it is as bad as trying to be your own advocate while on trial for murder. Please, please, please seek help from porfessionals who can dignoes you properly and monitor your teatement. I hope this helps you and that you feel well very soon. G-d bless you.