Norepinephrine Imbalance Disorder

Imbalances in neurotransmitters have long been implicated as causal factors in mental health issues. The treatment of some mental disorders involves changes in the activity level of neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine.

Significance

• An imbalance in norepinephrine levels has been implicated in a number of psychological disorders including anxiety disorders, depression and bipolar (formerly known as manic-depressive) disorder.

Function

• Norepinephrine is one of the neurotransmitters located in the brain. Neurotransmitters are responsible for sending signals back and forth between neurons in the brain.

Expert Insight

• According to Bipolar Disorder: An International Journal of Psychiatry and Neurosciences, a recent study performed on the cadavers of suicide victims has shown a connection between bipolar disorder and low norepinephrine activity.

Symptoms

• According to Doctor Jerry h. Hanson, symptoms of a norepinephrine imbalance include lack of motivation, decreased sex drive, and eating disorders anorexia and bulimia.

Prevention/Solution

• Many antidepressant medications work by affecting the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and serotonin.