As a practitioner, I find it invaluable to see the neurotransmitter profiles of kids that I'm helping to better understand their experience and how best to support them. If a parent wants to know how to support their child's neurological and psychological health naturally, I typically recommend this test. (It's good for adults, too!) It provides a wealth of information about the individual (from methylation, to histamine, and potential sources of inflammation), and what to do next. Neurotransmitter testing cannot be used to give a medical diagnosis but it does help with providing targeted natural interventions to accompany other therapies.
Neurotransmitters are the hormones or chemical-messengers of our nervous system. Optimal neurotransmitter balance (such as serotonin, dopamine, and GABA) is required for health. Imbalances may result in being over- or under-stimulated, producing neurological or psychological symptoms.
Neurotransmitter testing is a unique tool that often provides insight into how to naturally support a person with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Anxiety disorder, Depressive disorder, or Sleep issues among other. These health conditions are known to be accompanied by neurotransmitter imbalances. However, individuals with these health conditions often present with the same symptoms yet have fundamentally different neurotransmitter imbalances unique to them. This is where neurotransmitter testing for the individual can be valuable. It helps identify the root issues, so the individual may be supported in a targeted manner.
I like to use ZRT lab's dried Neurotransmitter testing as it is simple to do at home and it's more comprehensive than tests offered by competing labs. This test looks not only at the parent neurotransmitters but also downstream metabolites so that you can tell whether there is a systemic pattern. This way, you are able to target if a person is having a nutrient supply issue, or the problem has more to do with breaking neurotransmitters down better, or both.
For example, if someone with ADHD doesn't have enough dopamine, the neurotransmitter test will help you see if they need to be supported by cofactors like B6 and iron to make more dopamine, or whether they are breaking dopamine down too fast and would benefit from a natural remedy, like passionflower, that slows its breakdown.
The test can also identify if there is a methylation issue, and/or a histamine issue, or systemic inflammation stemming from the gut or an environmental trigger (like mold, for example). Perhaps they don't have enough glutamate and that's why the child is struggling when you ask them to do something. Once you know this, you can help them calm the inflammation and cope better. The test also helps you see if food sensitivity test, or a gut health or gut permeability test might be in order, too. Genetics, environment, chemicals and nutrient deficiencies are many of the factors that impact the neurotransmitter picture. The ZRT dried-urine neurotransmitter test helps identify how the nervous system is coping and how to bring it back in balance.
There are a number of testing options available including the basic neurotransmitters and their metabolites. You also have the option to add diurnal cortisol readings onto the neurotransmitter panel which can help with assessing fatigue and mood disorders. For teens and adults, saliva hormone testing may also be added. At the time of writing, the test runs from $272 and up depending on which option you choose. The test is available to new and existing clients. A separate fee for the consultation is involved to discuss the results. To make an appointment and order a test, schedule here.
