Treating A Chemical Imbalance In Your Brain For Improving Mental Health

How do you know if you have a chemical imbalance?

There can be many signs that a person has a chemical imbalance, including the following.

However, these symptoms do not necessarily mean you are experiencing a chemical imbalance and are common among other disorders and health concerns, including anxiety disorders and affective disorders. Doctors often cannot diagnose a chemical imbalance directly because there is little evidence to support specific diagnostic tests. Researchers from institutions emphasize that symptoms often overlap with physical or mental health conditions like major depression, and that imbalances in certain neurotransmitters, other substances, or other chemicals may significantly affect mood. According to ongoing research, many patients present mixed clinical pictures, making a single-test diagnosis unreliable. 

How do I fix my chemical imbalance?

Depending on your chemical imbalance, different treatments may be used, such as therapy and medicine. While the connection between mental illnesses and chemical imbalances may require further research, cognitive behavioral therapy can support mood regulation by addressing unhelpful thought patterns. 

Other techniques may help improve one’s health as well, including lifestyle changes. These lifestyle changes may include improving one’s sleep hygiene, frequently engaging in physical activity, and healthy eating habits. A primary care physician may also instruct someone to eat supplements such as fish oil pills, which can provide omega-3 fatty acids. Clinicians at the National Cancer Institute and another national institute have long believed that tailoring dosage helps the nervous system respond better to combined approaches that include lifestyle strategies with newer antidepressants or adjunct drugs, including Prozac and other selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, prescribed to help balance serotonin levels and dopamine levels.

Effective treatment options for chemical imbalances: How do I reset my chemical brain balance?

The best method to address a chemical imbalance typically involves visiting a mental health professional trained in psychiatry, but some behaviors may benefit your brain's chemical balance. These may include:

Practicing Mindfulness

Mindfulness exercises, such as gratitude journaling and meditation, may be effective tools supported by the National Institute for improving physical and mental well-being. While not directly addressing a specific neurotransmitter, these practices help manage stress and symptoms associated with chemical imbalances in daily life. 

Getting Out in Nature

Getting outside and into nature can have a variety of benefits, as confirmed by research from the National Cancer Institute and other national institute branches, such as reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity, and overall mortality. Spending time in nature may also reduce the mental distress associated with a chemical imbalance. 

Eating a Healthy Diet

Ensuring that your diet is balanced and contains healthy foods can also help address the symptoms of a chemical imbalance. According to a 2008 study circulated by the National Institute, improving the health of your gastrointestinal tract may influence the production of main neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin.

Is anxiety a chemical imbalance?

While there may be a variety of causes for anxiety disorders, one possible explanation is a chemical imbalance (though this may be an oversimplification of the subject). Research suggests that chemicals like serotonin and dopamine (called neurotransmitters) are linked to anxiety. A serotonin deficiency, in particular, can influence sense of well‑being, sleep, energy, and other functions, potentially leading to anxiety disorders and other conditions. However, many factors could lead a person to develop anxiety, including a family history of mood disorders, certain conditions like hyperthyroidism, and significant stress. It's important to note that an imbalance of neurotransmitters may only be one contributing factor to anxiety disorders.

Can doctors tell if you have a chemical imbalance? 

Direct testing for chemical imbalances is typically impossible. However, doctors may be able to perform tests that can help assess the levels of specific chemicals, such as serotonin. Still, these tests are not commonly used to diagnose a chemical imbalance. Instead, doctors usually diagnose a specific condition or illness based on the symptoms you are experiencing and may recommend treatments such as antidepressants or other drugs. From there, they will likely find treatment options that address this specific condition or illness. According to research from institutions like the National Cancer Institute and another national institute, earlier studies suggested a connection between conditions like anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and chemical imbalances. However, more recent studies have challenged these claims. 

What are the signs of low dopamine?

There can be a number of signs and symptoms of dopamine deficiency, including the following:

Low dopamine may result in a variety of challenges relating to mental health (sometimes incorrectly referred to as “mental health issues”) as noted in research from the National Institute of Mental Health. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it may be beneficial to talk to your primary care physician or a mental health professional. 

How can I rebalance my brain chemicals naturally?

There are a few behaviors that may help to improve one’s health or balance the chemicals of the brain, including:

Maintain healthy circadian rhythms

Our circadian rhythms can dictate the release of chemicals like melatonin and serotonin, which can help us to feel energized during the day and sleep well at night. There are many ways to ensure you maintain a healthy rhythm, such as getting sunlight first thing in the morning and making sure you have good sleep hygiene. Research from the National Cancer Institute and other national institute centers emphasizes the importance of maintaining a regular sleep schedule.

Improve gut health for your brain chemicals

The health of your gut-brain axis can determine the balance of many chemicals in the brain, as well as the presence of several health conditions. Gut health directly impacts neurotransmitter production, including dopamine and serotonin, supported by extensive research. By eating a healthy diet and ensuring you get enough probiotics, you can keep your gut healthy and balanced. 

Reduce stress

The release of hormones associated with stress, like adrenaline and cortisol, can cause many changes in the body; if these occur frequently, they may result in physical and mental harm. Activities recommended by the National Institute, such as exercise, engaging in relaxing hobbies, and meditation, can help reduce stress and positively influence brain chemistry.

Is ADHD a chemical imbalance?

While ADHD can be connected to a few causes, one potential source is an imbalance of dopamine in the brain. However, there may not be a way for medical professionals to test the levels of dopamine a person has in the brain. It is theorized that a lack of dopamine may also result in a lower amount of norepinephrine (a neurotransmitter synthesized from dopamine). As a result, levels of both dopamine and norepinephrine can be lower in individuals experiencing ADHD. In addition, those living with ADHD may have less activity in their frontal lobes, which are responsible for several functions. These functions include impulsive control, focus, memory, problem-solving, judgment, motivation, and attention.  

Effective treatment options for mental health conditions like depression and anxiety possibly caused by chemical imbalances

While chemical imbalance may contribute to conditions like depression, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorder, the exact causes of these mental health disorders can vary. Psychotherapy remains a highly effective option, with antidepressants or other prescribed drugs also used when appropriate. However, certain medications may also be used if prescribed by a healthcare professional. One example of medications for depression specifically is SSRIs. These medications work by blocking the reabsorption of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and norepinephrine, which are important for mood modulation.