Neurotransmitter Fluctuation in Childhood: Exploring Variations in the Levels of GABA, Glutamate, Dopamine and Noradrenaline in Individuals Under 18

Abstract

Aims/Background: This study investigates neurotransmitter levels in a cohort of pediatric patients, aiming to provide valuable insights into the relationships between demographic factors, clinical diagnoses, and mean neurotransmitter levels across different age groups.

Methods (Materials/Patients and Methods): The research involved 135 participants, consisting of 54 males (40.0%) and 81 females (60.0%), with an average age of 12.57 years (SD = 4.43). The observed age ranged from 5 to 18 years. Urban residents constituted the majority, accounting for 60% of the total participants. The study categorized participants into three groups based on pediatrician diagnoses: Group I (control) included 37 patients (27.4%), Group II comprised 65 patients (48.1%) with psychoanxiety disorders, and Group III encompassed 33 individuals (24.4%) with mental disorders. Statistical analyses confirmed normal distributions within these groups.

Results: To assess neurotransmitter levels, paraclinical analyses were conducted, including serotonin, GABA, glutamate, cortisol, and DHEA, employing enzymatic, colorimetric, and spectrophotometric methods.

Conclusion: Preliminary findings highlight the intricate relationship between demographic variables, clinical diagnoses, and neurotransmitter levels, providing a foundation for further exploration of neurochemical dynamics in pediatric populations.