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Brain and Mood

Smarter, Happier, and Focused…
Unlock the potential of your mind by understanding how your genes impact the production of neurotransmitters. Learn how to optimize your diet and lifestyle for mood, focus, and cognitive abilities.

Why Neurotransmitters Matter
Neurotransmitters are the chemical messengers of your brain, playing crucial roles in:

  • Regulating mood and emotions
  • Enhancing cognitive function and focus
  • Managing stress and anxiety
  • Improving sleep quality

Where to start?

Members: Start with the Brain and Mood Topic Summary Report for a quick visual way to know which articles to read first.

Latest articles about Mood and Brain:

Dopamine receptors, natural Agonists and antagonist for dopamine

Dopamine Receptor SNPs: Addiction, Mood, ADHD, and Schizophrenia

Dopamine is a powerful player in our cognitive function – impacting mood, movement, and motivation. Genetic variants in the dopamine receptors influence addiction, ADHD, neurological diseases, depression, psychosis, and aggression.

Environmental and Genetic factors that lead to dyslexia

Dyslexia: Genes + Early Life Stressors

While dyslexia is known to run in families, the role of genetics in dyslexia is still being determined. Here is a quick look at some of the genes involved in dyslexia, affecting around 10% of the population.

Diagram showing how COMT enzyme activity varies by genotype

COMT: How to Optimize Your Supplements for Your COMT Genotype

Some supplements interact with COMT variants to impact the rate at which neurotransmitters are broken down. Check your COMT genotype and discover how this may affect your reaction to different supplements or combinations of supplements.

Anxiety Genes, ANDORA2A, BDNF, Lion's mane for anxiety

Anxiety: Genetics, heredity, and personalized solutions

When it comes to anxiety, genetic variants combine with environmental factors (nutrition, sleep, relationships, etc) when it comes to anxiety. Understanding your anxiety genes can help you figure out which pathways to target.

VMAT2 gene: serotonin, Neurotransmitters,  monoamine transport gene

VMAT2 gene: The God Gene and Neurotransmitters

VMAT2, the so‑called “God gene,” packages dopamine, serotonin, and other monoamines into vesicles, protecting neurons from oxidative stress and influencing risks for Parkinson’s, PTSD, alcohol dependence, and diabetes.

GABA neurotransmitter, recycling and synthesis, genetic variants affecting GABA, ways to naturally increase GABA

GABA: Genetics, Anxiety, and Immune Response

GABA (gamma-Aminobutyric acid) is a neurotransmitter that acts to block or inhibit a neuron from firing. It is an essential way that the brain regulates impulses, and low GABA levels are linked with several conditions, including anxiety and PTSD.

Psychopathy Genetics, epigenetics, environmental factors involved in psychopathy

Psychopaths: Born not made?

This article explains how MAOA, OXTR, LINC00951, HTR2B, and SNAP25 variants, childhood abuse, toxins, and epigenetic shifts combine to raise psychopathy risk — without predestining anyone to become a violent offender.

Supplements to Boost BDNF

Best Supplements to Boost BDNF

Is it smart to boost your BDNF levels? Discover more by digging into the research studies that show when, how, and why it is important to focus on BDNF.

How Genetics Affects Serotonin, serotonin transport and receptors

Serotonin: How Your Genes Affect this Neurotransmitter

Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that is important in depression, sleep, and many other aspects of health. Learn how your genetic variants in the serotonin receptor genes impact their function.

Depression, Genetics, and Mitochondrial Function

Depression, Genetics, and Mitochondrial Function

How does mitochondrial dysfunction relate to major depressive disorder? Learn about the causes of mitochondrial dysfunction as well as genetic variants that link the risk of depression to the mitochondria.

MTHFR variants and depression and anxiety

MTHFR, Depression, Anxiety, Symptoms and Treatment

We are all genetically unique, and a common genetic variant in the MTHFR gene causes some people to be more susceptible to having low folate levels. This article explains the research linking MTHFR variants, folate, and depression — and gives you information on how diet or supplements may help.

CBD Oil: Will it Work for You?

CBD Oil: Will it work for you?

Why do some people get such great benefits from CBD while others notice nothing? Your genes play a role in how your body responds to CBD.

ANK3: Bipolar Disorder and Brain Development

ANK3: Bipolar Disorder and Brain Development

The genetic variants in the ANK3 gene impact the risk of psychiatric disorders that include bipolar disorder and autism spectrum disorders, and heart arrhythmia. Discover how ANK3 impacts neuronal formation and transmission and how this ties into an increased risk of psychiatric disorders.

Genetics and Seasonal Affective Disorder

Genetics and Seasonal Affective Disorder

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is characterized by recurrent depression with a change in the season usually in fall/winter for most. Scientists think this is possibly due to an aberrant response to light – either not enough brightness to the sunlight or not enough hours of light. Your genes play a big role in this responsiveness to light.

COMT Graphical Abstract, Slow COMT effects, Slow COMT

COMT Gene: Neurotransmitter Levels, Estrogen Metabolism, and SNPs

Wondering why your neurotransmitters are out of balance? It could be due to your COMT genetic variants. The COMT gene codes for the enzyme catechol-O-methyltransferase which breaks down (metabolizes) the neurotransmitters dopamine, epinephrine, and norepinephrine.

CB1 CB2 Cannabis Receptor Variants

Response to Cannabis: CB1 & CB2 Genetic Variants

Discover how genetic variants influence your susceptibility to substance abuse, and how the variants impact your body’s reaction to cannabis. (Member’s article)