Research Publications on GABA

GABA function in mood disorders: An update and critical review; Life Sciences, 1998; Link

Research over the past twenty years suggests a possible link between GABA deficits and mood disorders, particularly depression. Studies indicate that enhancing GABAergic neurotransmission might have antidepressant and mood-stabilizing effects. GABA’s inhibitory impact on key neurotransmitters like norepinephrine and serotonin supports this theory, integrating well with existing hypotheses that involve alterations in noradrenergic and serotonergic functions in mood disorders. This review consolidates findings from both preclinical and clinical studies examining GABA's role in mood disorders and the effectiveness of various treatments like mood stabilizers, antidepressants, and electroconvulsive therapy. It proposes a unified neurochemical theory for mood disorders that incorporates the GABA hypothesis, setting a course for future research directions.