How a Neurotransmitter Test Can Help Reveal the Hidden Causes of Depression

Author : Babita Rathore | Published On : 16 Feb 2026

Depression isn’t always apparent. It tends to murmur — through fatigue, emotional numbness, overthinking, bad sleep, or that odd sensation of being “off.” Depression and low mood are becoming increasingly prevalent in young adults. There are factors like academic pressure, job insecurity, social media comparison, financial stress, bad sleep, irregular eating, and constant stress which have left a world in which mental exhaustion is nearly common.

Here is an interesting fact you need to know: Across the globe, more than 280 million people are affected by depression, according to the World Health Organization. Studies on global mental health show that depression as a mental health disorder has become one of the leading causes of disability in the world, especially among young people.

Many people take medication or undertake therapy, but there are still so many people who find it difficult to understand why they feel down despite “doing everything right.”

Thus, neurotransmitter testing for depression gives a deeper look at the individual situation – unearthing hidden biochemical imbalances that often go undiagnosed and unrecognized. 

Neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and cortisol, which are involved in neurotransmission, govern us directly in how we feel, think, or take on stress. Treatment without checking these chemical messengers can turn into an endless round of trial-and-error. But that’s why testing is a big step in identifying the biological contributors to depression.

Understanding Depression Beyond Emotions
It is a complex condition that has been associated with an amalgamation of factors like brain chemistry, hormones, gut, stress response, and inflammation. Perhaps most importantly, but commonly overlooked, is the role of neurotransmitters, which are the chemical messengers of mood, motivation, sleep, concentration, and emotional regulation. 

The traditional approach is symptom-based, but to identify underlying causes, there has to be an understanding of what is occurring in the brain and nervous system

The classic measures are based on symptoms, but figuring out the root causes demands an appreciation of what is happening inside the mind and nerves.

That’s why neurotransmitter testing for depression is becoming increasingly important in modern mental health care that takes a holistic approach.

Enter NeuroSpot – How Neurotransmitter Test is Beneficial for Affected Individuals

The NeuroSpot Test by DBAD uses a simple urine and saliva sample to assess key stress hormones and neurotransmitters. Using the DrySpot technology, the test can be performed at home. 

The test carefully looks at crucial neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, adrenaline, cortisol, DHEA, GABA, and glutamate levels to give you a comprehensive idea of how your body and brain are reacting to stress.

A professionally trained person can recommend NeuroSpotBasis or NeuroSpotPlus, based on your needs. The following are five ways to use this test to help people dealing with low mood and depression:

1. Pinpoints the underlying biochemical issue: Rather than making an educated guess, the test highlights which neurotransmitters are low and which are high. This is the reason why neurotransmitter testing for depression is such a powerful diagnostic tool, as it goes far beyond the surface level symptoms.

2. Explains stress reactions and emotional patterns: Have you wondered why do some people overeat when they are extremely stressed, and others lose their appetite? How stress causes panic attacks in one person and mental numbness in another? These patterns of thinking can often be traced back to biochemical imbalances in the neurotransmitters, and the NeuroSpot Test can help identify this.

3. Aids in tailoring of treatment plans: With the levels of the neurotransmitters now known, treatment plans can be tailored: diet changes, lifestyle modifications, supplements, therapy, and stress management strategies, no longer trial and error methods.

4. Enhances emotional well-being and energy levels: Serotonin, dopamine, GABA, and cortisol levels can be restored through treatment plans, and this can help improve the stability of moods, sleep patterns, clarity of thought, and energy levels during the day.

5. Helps achieve long-term mental health: Because the biochemical issue with depression is now being treated, neurotransmitter testing for depression is a powerful tool that helps promote long-term recovery and prevents relapse due to unmanaged stress or biochemical imbalance.

Why Should You Consult Dr Bakshi’s Advance Diagnostics about Holistic Wellness? 
If your goal is mental and physical well-being over time, then finding the right diagnostic partner can be important. DBAD is one of the leading global technology systems of precision-led lifestyle diagnostics focused on the patient. They go above and beyond what is covered in lab reports in neurotransmitter testing for depression. This is one of the reasons why DBAD is the right option:

Over a Decade of Expertise in Precision Diagnostics:DBAD provides a full complement of analysis with over 10 years of experience as an advanced diagnostic and preventive testing provider. Pre- and post-test consultations ensure that you know exactly how your mind and body work, supporting all assessments.
Exclusive Access to Advanced German Diagnostic Technologies: DBAD is the only Indian partner for globally proven tests like NeuroSpot, ImuPro, and Gut Microbiome analysis—delivering world-class diagnostics at your doorstep with exactitude.

Pan-India Home Sample Collection: DBAD provides safe, hassle-free home sample collection all around India through trained and certified phlebotomy partners. It allows for comfort, convenience, and stress-free testing wherever and whenever you are in the country.

Secured International Testing: The samples are sent carefully to specialized laboratories in Germany while ensuring the tests maintain the highest global standards of scientific integrity and confidentiality without any delays. 

Expert Interpretation & Custom Wellness advice: Their team of certified nutritionists, counsellors, and doctors work together to break down complex test results into simple and effective wellness plans that help with offering mental clarity and emotional wellness. 

Trustworthy, Private, and Patient-Centric Care: As a healthcare unit that reports over 1,000 satisfied patients, including public figures and celebrities, DBAD is well known for its ethical practices, strict confidentiality, and excellence in service delivery. 

If you would like to know more about the services offered by Dr Bakshi's Advance Diagnostics, you can visit the official website and book an appointment for the test to start your own personalized wellness journey!

Author Bio – As a nutrition content specialist with a strong foundation in integrative healthcare, I simplify medical insights for everyday readers. I aim to empower individuals with science-backed information that supports real healing. From gut health to holistic nutrition, my work reflects a passion for spreading awareness about healthy lifestyle choices.