Neurotransmitters are the brain's chemical messengers. The brain emits signals to tell the heart to beat or what mood to have through neurotransmitters. According to the website Neurogistics, neurotransmitters come in two types: inhibitory and excitatory. Inhibitory neurotransmitters balance mood and are affected by excitatory neurotransmitters, which stimulate the brain. Within the two types of neurotransmitters are chemicals that serve to stabilize mood and regulate the fight or flight response associated with anxiety. When the neurotransmitters are out of balance, it can lead to chronic anxiety or other anxiety disorders.
Serotonin and Norepinephrine
Serotonin is an inhibitory neurotransmitter that does not stimulate the brain but does affect mood. Norepinephrine is an excitatory neurotransmitter responsible for stimulating the body and when elevated might cause anxiety. According to Macalester College, serotonin and norepinephrine are so closely linked that changes in the level of one chemical in the body reflects in a change in the other. This likely causes an imbalance that alters energy levels, moods and thought processes during moments of increased anxiety. Serotonin regulates anxiety and impulsive behaviors. When serotonin is too low, norepinephrine becomes altered, leading to a cycle of continued low production of serotonin. Excessive stress, poor diet and recreational drug use can affect the balance of neurotransmitters, further influencing the occurrence of anxiety.
Dopamine
Dopamine is an excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitter. Dopamine is the main neurotransmitter responsible for focus and motivation. Dopamine is also involved in the feelings of pleasure and movement. When dopamine is increased, a state of alertness and quick response is possible, but when dopamine is too low a state of fatigue and lethargy occurs. According to a 2010 study in the National Library of Medicine, dopamine has been confirmed as a neurotransmitter that is altered during significant stress related to social anxiety.
GABA
Gamma-aminobutyric acid is an inhibitory neurotransmitter and an amino acid. GABA is responsible for calming the body from excitement and inducing sleep. GABA regulates anxiety and when balanced, it regulates serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine. According to Neurogistics, when GABA is too high or too low this is a direct result of an imbalance of the other excitatory neurotransmitters. However, if this imbalance occurs, GABA works to reduce the stimulation of the other receptors, in turn decreasing anxiety. When GABA is the chemical out of balance, the typical medication prescribed is called benzodiazepine.
