What Causes a Chemical Imbalance?

Chemical imbalances are widely known to be responsible for mental disorders such as ADD and depression. No one is 100 percent certain what causes these imbalances, but there are a few theories to consider.

Definition

Neurotransmitters, such as norepinephrine or acetylcholine, which convey nerve impulses across a synapse from one neuron to another, can be lacking or overabundant, which creates a chemical imbalance.

Genetics

A popular theory for the cause of chemical imbalances is genetics. People have greater risk for developing a mental illness if they have a close relative with the same disorder. It's possible that the same holds true for the imbalance of neurotransmitters.

Irregular Brain Development

Irregularities in the development of a person's brain are another possible explanation for chemical imbalances.

Thoughts and Behaviors

Thoughts and actions affect emotional responses and assist in human reactions to different situations. Excessive levels or even the lack of such emotional reactions could potentially be responsible for creating chemical imbalances that cause certain mental disorders.

Expert Insight

Joseph M. Carver, Ph.D., points out that to some extent, everyone carries a risk of change in their brain chemistry, since we all experience stress, joy and depression. The key is to recognize changes and address them, if necessary, before they morph into larger problems.

Resources

• What Is Chemical Imbalance?
• The Chemical Imbalance in Mental Health Problems