Posted by barbaracat on April 13, 2005, at 11:36:15
In reply to Re: Neuroscience tests » barbaracat, posted by Larry Hoover on April 13, 2005, at 11:04:13
**I'm inclined to believe you, Larry, since I'm not aware of any 'breakthroughs' in neurotransmitter testing - which indeed it would be for the psychicatric community. However, I have a friend who is being encouraged by the same (ex)naturopath as I to take this test. The naturopath does not have any financial interest in the two companies she's recommending and I think she'd like to believe that these tests would help. So here's my questions, just so I can display more knowledge to my friend before saying 'don't waste your money', also because my own health care providers make noises in these directions every now and then without understanding the science involved, and finally just so I can understand - mainly because there SHOULD be such a test, dammit.
1. What exactly are these tests measuring or trying to measure? amino acids? metabolites of catecholamines? valines?
2. You mentioned that these measurments didn't necessarily show only brain neurotransmitter levels, but muscle also. Could there be a base level, no matter where those values come from, that show optimum vs. unhealthy neurotransmitter values? In other words, a specific range is the goal and let the body figure out where to put the stuff.
For my own curiosity, what would make this test so impossible? Neurotransmitters produce metabolites. I understand the liver passes, etc., but maybe urine is not the way to go. If indeed spinal fluid is the only valid way so far, why aren't more doctors using these tests? Barring any cost, forget the snake oil supplements, it would be a relief to do away with the medical dart board approach.
I KNOW amino acid level tests do exist. Too bad it's not all about amino acids, as these guys seem to be implying. But even so, maybe amino acid levels could tell us more than we're curently getting.
I'm going to to pursue this, Larry, and would appreciate any help - just point in a general direction of what would be involved in getting some useful data of neurotransmitter status. Thanks as always for your most edifying help. - Barbara
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> They use the tests to sell a philosophy, a belief structure. They use the tests to increase cash flow for themselves, while simultaneously convincing you that they are doing something to help you. The test itself does not contribute to changing how you feel (other than by suggestion).
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> But, once convinced of the validity of their philosophy ("Look! The tests prove you are low serotonin, high histamine (or whatever)."), and already having you invested financially and emotionally, they can now sell you expensive supplements to "treat your low serotonin, high histamine" etc.
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> That is finally the point where treatment becomes possible.....the taking of supplements.
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> You don't have to buy *their* supplements to have the effect. You don't have to believe *their* philosophy to have the effect. No, all you have to do is swallow some supplements, which could come from any source.
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> They sell you two things. One is an overarching belief system (which may or may not be valid, and is unproveable, in any case). And the other thing they sell you is (expensive) supplements.
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> That's how I see it, anyway.
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> Lar
poster:barbaracat
thread:410247
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/alter/20050323/msgs/483734.html