Mood & Mental Health Testing

Hormone Testing

Hormones play a vital and direct role in daily mood, well-being, mental health, happiness and also neurotransmitter levels!

Hormones we commonly test include:

Neurotransmitter Testing

There are several comprehensive Neurotransmitter testing panels available! Neurotransmitters play an integral role in our daily mental health, well-being, happiness, mood and stability. Both high and low levels of neurotransmitters may be associated with symptoms such as low mood, anxiety, poor motivation,  stress, poor sleep, fatigue, ADHD and Parkinson’s.

Neurotransmitters tested may include:

  • Serotonin – associated with feeling happy and calm, low levels may be associated with anxiety, depression and insomnia.
  • GABA –required for relaxation, calmness, lowering pain perception, sleep initiation; low levels of GABA may be associated with irritability, restlessness and insomnia.
  • Dopamine – important for focus and motivation, memory, mental and physical alertness, low levels may be associated with low mood, low motivation and apathy.
  • Noradrenalin/Norepinephrine and Adrenalin/Epinephrine – mediates the body’s “fight or flight” stress response.
  • Glutamate – required for GABA production, however, elevated levels may be neurotoxic (excitotoxic) and be associated with anxiety.

Pyrrole Testing

(also known as Pyroluria, Pyrrole Disorder, kryptopyrroles and Mauve Factor)
Elevated pyrrole levels may be associated with symptoms of anxiety, low mood, emotional outbursts, meltdowns and mood swings. There is discussion elevated pyrrole levels may also be associated with symptoms such as worry, low mood, insomnia, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and the autism spectrum. A simple urine test will confirm if you have elevated pyrrole levels, and with the correct nutritional medicine, dramatic improvements in daily well-being may be observed within the first few weeks! (Click here for more information on Pyrrole Disorder.)

More About Mood & Mental Health Testing

Copper Excess/Deficiency

High copper levels may be associated with symptoms of worry, anxiety, low mood, hyperactivity and learning difficulties in children, depression and postnatal depression in women, as well as being noted as linked with autism spectrum, bipolar disorder and paranoid schizophrenia.

Under/Over Methylation and Histamine levels

Methylation and histamine levels are intimately linked, and usually tested together. Both high and low levels of these may affect our mental and emotional well being, which may include anxiety, anorexia, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, schizophrenia, chemical or food sensitivities, paranoia. There is discussion elevated histamine levels may also be associated with the onset and progression of both Parkinson’s’ and Alzheimer’s.

Vitamin D Blood Test

Vitamin D deficiency is noted as highly common in Australia, with some numbers suggesting this affects as much as 60% of the population during the winter months and slightly less over summer. Vitamin D deficiency may be associated with depression, low motivation, and low mood states.

 

Essential Fatty Acid Testing

(Omega-3 and Omega-6 levels)

Essential fatty acids (EFAs) are not only important for general health and cardiovascular health, but are also vital for brain health, including cognitive function, mental clarity, concentration, and focus.

The brain is also comprised of approximately 60% EFAs, providing fluidity to cell membranes and assisting in communication between cells. Deficiency of DHA, a type of EFA, has been associated with depression, ADHD, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and dementia, amongst a number of other conditions.

This test includes:

  • Omega-3s: ALA, EPA, DPA, DHA.
  • Omega-6s: LA, DGLA, AA.
  • Omega-3/omega-6 ratios.
  • Saturated, monounsaturated, PUFAs, HUFAs.
  • Comprehensive breakdown of remainder of essential fatty acids.

 

Inflammation Testing

Inflammation in the body is commonly invisible and may go unrecognised unless specific inflammation testing is performed.  Inflammation throughout the body may adversely affect our neurotransmitter levels and mood, as well as general health and daily well-being.

Tests for inflammation can include:

  • CRP or high-sensitivity CRP.
  • ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate).
  • Omega-3 and omega-6 essential fatty acid levels.
  • 17-Keto Steroids, Total OH Corticoids, Ratios.
  • Cytokines including IL1, IL2, IL4, IL5, IL6, IL10, IL13, INFγ, TNFα, TNFβ, TGFβ.

Glucose Dysregulation, Hypoglycaemia or Blood Sugar Imbalances

We all know someone who gets cranky if they’ve gone too long without a meal; this is a common symptom of hypoglycaemia or low blood sugar.

Hypoglycaemia is currently not generally recognised or tested for by Australian GPs, however, it is a wide-spread issue which can affect a person’s quality of life and well being.

Symptoms of hypoglycaemia may include irritability and irrational anger which is resolved after eating a meal, drowsiness after meals, craving for sugar or carbohydrates such as bread, pasta, chips, chocolate or crackers, trembling, anxiety, poor concentration or focus, and even fainting.

 

Folate Blood Testing

Folate (vitamin B9) is important for healthy mood, digestive health, nerve and muscular health, healthy blood cells, cognitive function, quality sleep and healthy foetal development. Low folate levels may be associated with symptoms of low mood, worry, or poor sleep quality.

There are currently tests available for:

  • Folate/folic acid.
  • RBC folate/folic acid (red blood cell folate/folic acid).
  • Unmetabolised folate.

Heavy Metal Testing

It is understood the presence or excess of heavy metals may be linked with a myriad of symptoms such as anxiety, fatigue and low mood. There are several methods of testing for the presence of heavy metals within the body, from stool testing for current exposure to hair testing (Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis) for longer-term exposure. Click here for more information on Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis.

Let us guide you to a happier, healthier you.