Low levels of GABA can lead to what condition?

Low levels of GABA, or gamma-aminobutyric acid, can lead to anxiety due to its role as a primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system. GABA functions to reduce neuronal excitability throughout the nervous system; when GABA levels are insufficient, there is a reduced capacity to inhibit excitatory signals. This imbalance can result in increased anxiety, as the brain becomes more prone to overactivity and heightened responses to stressors.

GABA's inhibitory effects are crucial for maintaining a sense of calm and relaxation. Therefore, when GABA is low, individuals may experience symptoms of anxiety, such as feelings of tension, nervousness, and heightened arousal. This connection between GABA levels and anxiety highlights why the condition is particularly responsive to treatments that enhance GABAergic activity, such as certain anxiolytic medications.