Author: John Carter

Metabolic Encephalopathy: What It Is, Causes & Symptoms

Direct testing for chemical imbalances in the brain is not typically possible. However, doctors may be able to perform tests that can help to assess the levels of specific chemicals such as serotonin. Still, these tests are not typically used to diagnose a chemical imbalance. Instead, doctors will diagnose you with a specific condition or illness based on the symptoms you are experiencing. From there, they will likely find treatment options that address this specific condition or illness.

Can metabolic encephalopathy be prevented?

While the importance of genetic factors in developing depression is not fully understood, twin and family studies suggest that the heritability of depression is roughly 37 percent. There are no reliable tests to diagnose a chemical imbalance in the brain. There can be many signs that a person has a chemical imbalance, including the following.

  1. Symptoms of mental health conditions such as anxiety or depression may indicate some problems with the way the brain—including the chemicals in the brain—is functioning.
  2. Several medications work by changing the levels of brain chemicals by blocking reabsorption.
  3. Eating well, listening to music, routinely exercising, and socializing can help you avoid dopamine deficiency.
  4. However, people may wish to consider speaking with a doctor or trained mental health professional if they experience emotional, cognitive, or physical symptoms every day for more than 2 weeks.

When should I see a healthcare provider?

Brain dysfunction can affect your mood, thinking and memory or cause a loss of consciousness (coma). There’s little evidence to determine that an imbalance in brain chemicals is the cause of any mental health condition. Other techniques may help improve one’s health as well,  including lifestyle changes.

Therapy and Counseling

Any disruption in the complicated process of nerve cell communication has the potential to affect the production and/or function of neurotransmitters and, by extension, a person’s mental health. For example, low levels of serotonin, a neurotransmitter involved in mood regulation, may contribute to symptoms of depression. Similarly, imbalances in other neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine can affect motivation, pleasure, and attention.

Seeking Professional Help

This can happen because of a genetic predisposition, obesity, stress, and other causes. Common symptoms include persistent tiredness, constipation, low moods, sleep disorders, and other negative effects. Eating well, listening to music, routinely exercising, and socializing can help you avoid dopamine deficiency.

These functions include impulsive control, focus, memory, problem-solving, judgment, motivation, and attention. While therapy can’t treat a chemical imbalance, it may help you manage your symptoms. A therapist can help you identify any underlying concerns that may be contributing to your symptoms.

These therapies may affect the function of neurotransmitters by changing neural pathways and associations. It is important to note that experiencing these symptoms does not necessarily mean someone has a chemical imbalance. A comprehensive evaluation by a healthcare professional is needed to diagnose and determine the appropriate treatment options.

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. You’ll feel happy, motivated, alert, and focused if you have a balanced dopamine level. Too much or too little dopamine causes problems with impulsive behavior, sleep, and movement. Dopamine detox, also called dopamine fasting, is a trend that’s gained popularity in recent years.

People who experience signs and symptoms of a mental health problem for more than 2 weeks may wish to speak to a doctor. While some people experience reduced symptoms within a few weeks, it can sometimes take months for others to feel the effects. Doctors can prescribe a class of medications called psychotropics to rebalance the concentration of particular neurochemicals in the brain. Illicit drugs can cause changes in the reward processing center of the brain.