How to Find Information About Chemical Imbalance

"Chemical imbalance" is a catch phrase for many psychological and physical symptoms with an unknown cause. Clinicians argue over whether a "chemical imbalance" is a real diagnosis. Research indicates that alcoholics have chemical brain imbalances and so do those with attention deficit disorder. The chemical serotonin may play a role in depression. These imbalances exist, but what to call them, how they manifest and whether the imbalance is a result of another diagnosis is not certain. More information and research is needed. In the meantime, find out what you can about chemical imbalances.

Instructions

• 1

  Contact mental health organizations. The National Institute of Mental Health is one such organization that is dedicated to providing education, conducting research and being a resource for all mental health issues. Other applicable organizations are the National Alliance on Mental Illness and the National Mental Health Association.

• 2

  Read appropriate medical and scientific journals. "The American Journal of Psychiatry" and "The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry" are reputable sources of information about studies that use scientific methods of research and data presentation. Go to your public library to look through these journals for free or find out how to get them. You can also purchase subscriptions or pay for online access to abstracts and articles.

• 3

  Consult nutritional professionals. Registered dietitians and experienced nutritionists know how vitamin or mineral deficiencies can affect health. Essentially, a chemical imbalance can originate from a diet that is lacking in something. You can have tests to check for toxic levels of substances like metals or deficiencies in important vitamins and minerals. Nutritional imbalances affect many body systems.

• 4

  Visit an endocrinologist. These medical professionals are experts on how hormones affect physical and mental health. When hormone levels are out of whack, all kinds of imbalance symptoms can occur. You may need a thorough physical exam with a blood work panel to check all hormone levels.

• 5

  Talk to your prescribing doctor. Medicines and drug interactions can create chemical imbalances. Reveal all medications you are taking to a medical professional who can carefully monitor them. If you suspect a chemical imbalance, set up a consultation to speak to your doctor about medications and how they interact. Find out which symptoms and signs you must look out for while on certain prescriptions. You may also want to ask your pharmacist questions about drug interactions.