Neurotransmitter-based diagnosis and treatment: A hypothesis (Part 3)

This 3-part series was designed to bring attention to a notion that diagnosis and treatment of diverse conditions such as “depression,” “anxiety,” or “chronic pain” should be based on clinically identifiable symptoms that may suggest specific neurotransmitter(s) involved in a specific type of each of these conditions. However, there are no well-recognized, well-established, reliable, or validated syndromes described in this series. The collection of symptoms associated with the various neuro­transmitters described in this series is not complete. We have assembled what is described in the literature as a suggestion for future research.

Bottom Line

Both high and low levels of gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glutamate may be associated with certain psychiatric and medical symptoms and disorders. An astute clinician may judge which neurotransmitter is dysfunctional based on the patient’s presentation, and tailor treatment accordingly.

Related Resources

• Arbuck DM, Salmerón JM, Mueller R. Neurotransmitter-based diagnosis and treatment: a hypothesis (part 1). Current Psychiatry. 2022;21(5):30-36. doi:10.12788/cp.0242
• Arbuck DM, Salmerón JM, Mueller R. Neurotransmitter-based diagnosis and treatment: a hypothesis (part 2). Current Psychiatry. 2022;21(6):28-33. doi:10.12788/cp.0253

Drug Brand Names

Acamprostate • Campral
Amantadine • Gocovri
Bupropion • Wellbutrin
Clonazepam • Klonopin
Clonidine • Catapres
Diazepam • Valium
Gabapentin • Neurontin
Ketamine • Ketalar
Memantine • Namenda
Methylphenidate • Concerta
Morphine • Kadian
Pregabalin • Lyrica
Sumatriptan • Imitrex
Tizanidine • Zanaflex