Epinephrine is just one chemical involved in your body's response to anxiety. Other chemicals may also play a role. For example, a serotonin imbalance¹ may contribute to anxiety, as can high cortisol levels. However, epinephrine is the primary chemical because it is directly involved in your anxiety symptoms.
The hormone adrenaline floods into your bloodstream, putting your body on high alert. Your heartbeat quickens, which sends more blood to your muscles.
High dopamine symptoms include anxiety, excessive energy, insomnia, and hallucinations. Low dopamine levels are associated with brain fog, mood swings, and muscle spasms. This article discusses dopamine and dopamine-related disorders.
There are various neurotransmitters that are involved in anxiety such as serotonin, glutamate, gamma-amino butyric acid, Cholecystokinnin, Adenosine etc. Some are inhibitory and some are excitatory. These neurotransmitters might play role in upregulation or downregulation of anxiety disorders.
Low levels of serotonin may be associated with many health conditions including: Depression and other mood problems. Anxiety. Sleep problems.
Research shows that Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) may play a key role in protecting against depression and anxiety. A review published in the journal Neuropharmacology concluded that people with anxiety and depression are more likely to have low levels of GABA.
Researchers have linked low levels of serotonin with mood disorders, such as depression and anxiety.
Dopamine deficiency has been linked to neurodegenerative conditions in the body. If you have symptoms of low dopamine levels, you might feel: Anxious or moody. Depressed or hopeless.
One potential reason is that when you are frequently anxious, your brain begins to produce excess fear-related neurotransmitters, such as adrenaline while reducing production of neurotransmitters associated with happiness and relaxation such as dopamine and serotonin.
The “Chemical Imbalance” Theory
The neurotransmitters serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine, and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) are specifically believed to be linked to mood and anxiety disorders. 1 These neurotransmitters are in charge of regulating various bodily and mental functions.
Difficult experiences in childhood, adolescence or adulthood are a common trigger for anxiety problems. Going through stress and trauma when you're very young is likely to have a particularly big impact. Experiences which can trigger anxiety problems include things like: physical or emotional abuse.
Tight Muscles – Anxiety will run tension through the body and impact different muscles. People feel the tightness in other areas. Some will feel it in their neck, jaw, chest, or the stomach. There is no specific area – wherever the brain sends the nerve signals.
Serotonin. Serotonin is a brain chemical that, in the right quantities, helps you feel calm, confident, and patient.
Recently researchers have identified certain regions of the brain that become hyperactive during a panic attack. These regions include the amygdala, which is the fear center of the brain, and parts of the midbrain that control a range of functions, including our experience of pain.
Problems with anger, low self-esteem, anxiety, forgetfulness, impulsiveness and lack of organizational skill (symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder). Social withdrawal, reduced emotions, don't feel pleasure (negative symptoms of schizophrenia). Gastrointestinal symptoms, including chronic constipation.
GABA lessens the ability of a nerve cell to receive, create or send chemical messages to other nerve cells. GABA is known for producing a calming effect. It's thought to play a major role in controlling anxiety, stress and fear.
What are the signs of a lack of serotonin and dopamine? Deficits in serotonin and dopamine can cause a host of signs and symptoms, including depressed mood, fatigue, lack of motivation, decreased sex drive, and difficulty concentrating.
Notably, it is normal for nontoxic increases in serotonin to cause anxiety, restlessness, and irritability for 1 to 2 weeks after starting a drug or increasing a dose.
Dopamine-related depression is characterized by lethargy and apathy, while serotonin-related depression is usually accompanied by feelings of anxiety.
Nutrient deficiencies, partial B vitamins and other amino acids from the diet, and prolonged stress (which can deplete B Vitamins) may result in low GABA levels. Low levels of GABA have been associated with mood disorders such as anxiety and depression, insomnia, irritability, and restlessness.
Magnesium stimulates the activity of cerebral GABAergic systems by behaving as a modulator of GABA receptors, increasing their activity. Magnesium has a favourable effect with respect to sleep onset and maintenance and also tiredness, which appears as a consequence of sleep deprivation.
Certain drugs and substances such as caffeine, alcohol, nicotine, NutraSweet, antidepressants, and some cholesterol-lowering medications deplete serotonin and other neurotransmitter levels. Hormone changes cause low levels of serotonin and neurotransmitter imbalances.