Question

Anxiety disorders have been linked to low activity of the ________ neurotransmitter.

• A. Gamma Aminobutyric Acid
• B. Serotonin
• C. Dopamine
• D. Cortisol

Hint:

Remember this simple association for exams: Anxiety $\leftrightarrow$ Low GABA. Depression $\leftrightarrow$ Low Serotonin. Schizophrenia (positive symptoms) $\leftrightarrow$ High Dopamine. Parkinson's Disease $\leftrightarrow$ Low Dopamine.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers in the brain that play a crucial role in regulating mood, emotion, and behavior. Imbalances in certain neurotransmitters are linked to various psychological disorders.

Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA): This is the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system. Its main function is to reduce neuronal excitability, producing a calming effect.
Serotonin: Plays a major role in mood, sleep, appetite, and learning. Low levels are often associated with depression.
Dopamine: Associated with the brain's reward system, pleasure, motivation, and motor control. It's implicated in addiction and schizophrenia.
Cortisol: This is a steroid hormone, not a neurotransmitter. It is the body's primary stress hormone.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Anxiety is a state of excessive neuronal activity and arousal. GABA's role is to inhibit or "calm down" this activity. Therefore, low levels or low activity of GABA would lead to insufficient inhibition, resulting in the over-arousal characteristic of anxiety disorders. Many anti-anxiety medications, like benzodiazepines, work by enhancing the effects of GABA.
Step 3: Final Answer:
Anxiety disorders have been linked to low activity of Gamma Aminobutyric Acid (GABA).