Posted by Caleb462 on May 15, 2003, at 22:34:09
In reply to STRESS CYCLE - theory about anxiety treatment, posted by Michael Bell on May 15, 2003, at 22:06:33
> The stress cycle goes like this (imagine it as a four-step process): [STEP 1]: Any kind of stress (environmental, psychological, physical, etc.) causes the body's OPIOID levels to decrease. This causes us to experience a sense of urgency, and can lead to irritability and anger. [STEP 2]: Low OPIOID levels in turn causes two main reactions to happen at the same time: DOPAMINE levels increase (feelings of alertness and anxiety) and GABA levels to decrease (insecurity, anxiety, unexplainable panic). Continuous dopamine release eventually leads to mental fatigue. [STEP 3]: Meanwhile, low GABA levels also leads to two simultaneous occurrences - a decrease in SEROTONIN (insomnia) and increase in NOR/EPINEPHRINE(physiological signs of anxiety - racing heartbeat, quick emotional response, ETC.) [STEP 4]: The low SEROTONIN levels force OPIOID levels lower, and the cycle continues.
Sorry, but this is just plain wrong. Low opiod activity does not cause high dopamine/low GABA. In fact, it's the exact opposite - high opiod activity causes this reaction. Agonism of mu-opiod receptors INHIBITS the release of GABA onto dopamine-containing neurons, causing a jump in dopamine activity. So HIGH (not low) opiod activity = high dopamine/low GABA. You've got it backwards.> For a great and simple diagram of this cycle, check the following link: http://www.metromkt.net/calm/20brain3.html
Are you trying to sell Becalm'd? I apoligize if you aren't, I just found it strange that you're taking information from a site trying to sell a product - this is not a reliable source.
I agree that the brain's opiod system is crucial to mental/emotional/social well-being, and is neglected in psychiatry. But your neuropharmacology is all wrong. Also, I don't believe problems can be simplifed down to mere neurotransmitter "lows" and "highs". The brain is much more complex than this. The fact is no one completely knows how the brain truly works, and therefore no one completely knows the facts of psychiatric disorders.
poster:Caleb462
thread:226952
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030514/msgs/226959.html