Serotonin Deficiency

1. Is alcohol your drug of choice? If yes, 3 points

2. If you have used marijuana, does it have a relaxing effect on you? If yes, 2 points

3. Have you ever obtained relief from symptoms of depression by taking antidepressants such as Prozac, Paxil, or Zoloft? If yes, 5 points

4. Have you ever gotten relief from your symptoms by taking 5HTP or the amino acid tryptophan? If yes, 5 points

5. Does eating high-sugar foods or processed carbohydrates relax you and/or relieve your irritability and anger? If yes, 4 points

6. Do you often have the sense that you’re “out of sync” or not attuned to what’s going on around you, and that a few drinks gets you “reconnected?” If yes, 2 points

7. Do you have a history of angry and irritable depression? If yes, 2 points

8. Do you have a regular pattern of unexplained rages or a history of explosive or assaultive behavior? If yes, 3 points

9. Do you have a history of sleep problems, especially waking up early and not being able to get back to sleep? If yes, 2 points

10. Is there a history of depression in your family? If yes, 2 points

11. Do you often experience symptoms of gastrointestinal distress, including gas, bloating, loose stools, constipation, and/or abdominal discomfort? If yes, 3 points

Total of 12 to 15 points: You are probably serotonin-deficient.

Total of 16 or more points: You are very probably serotonin-deficient.

The Serotonin PAK may be right for you.

GABA Deficiency

1. Are sedatives, sleeping pills, or “downers” your drug of choice? If yes, 5 points

2. Is alcohol your drug of choice? If yes, 2 points

3. Does alcohol relax you or help you to sleep? If yes, 4 points

4. Have you ever obtained relief from symptoms of anxiety by taking prescription drugs such as Ativan, Klonopin, Valium, or Xanax, or by taking sedatives? If yes, 5 points

5. Do you often have symptoms such as headache, irritability, and/or dizziness when you go four hours or more without food? If yes, 5 points

6. Do you have a history of panic attacks or severe anxiety? If yes, 3 points

7. Do you have a tendency to be thin or underweight? If yes, 2 points

8. Do you have problems sleeping, especially falling asleep? If yes, 2 points

9. Do you have sugar cravings? If yes, 2 points

10. Is there a history of anxiety or panic disorder in your family? If yes, 2 points

Total of 12 to 15 points: You are probably GABA-deficient.

Total of 16 or more points: You are very probably GABA-deficient.

The GABA PAK may be right for you.

Do you have an amino acid deficiency? Click to Tweet

Endorphin / Enkephalin Deficiency

1. Are heroin, Darvon, codeine, morphine, methadone, Oxycontin, and/or other opiates your drug of choice? If yes, 5 points

2. Have you ever had difficulty stopping the use of painkilling drugs such as codeine, morphine, Darvon, methadone, or other opioids? If yes, 3 points

3. Do you use drugs or alcohol to carve out a respite or “time out” from a very busy, active life? If yes, 4 points

4. Have you ever been diagnosed with Post-Traumatic-Stress Disorder (PTSD)? If yes, 5 points

5. Are you troubled by chronic pain, such as back pain, headaches, etc.? If yes, 1 point

6. Do you have difficulty enjoying pleasurable experiences much of the time (and not just when you’re feeling down)? If yes, 1 point

7. Do you have low pain tolerance? If yes, 3 points

Total of 10 to 13 points: You are probably endorphin-deficient.

Total of 14 or more points: You are very probably endorphin-deficient.

The Endorphin PAK may be right for you.

Catecholamine Deficiency

(Dopamine and Norepinephrine)

1. Is either cocaine or amphetamines your drug of choice? If yes, 5 points

2. Do you smoke cigarettes, or use nicotine in another form, such as smokeless tobacco? If 1 pack per day or less, 1 point. If 2 packs per day, 2 points. If 3 or more packs per day, 3 points.

3. If you have used marijuana, does it excite you or have a “speedy” effect on you? If yes, 4 points

4. Is there a history of mania in your family? If yes, 2 points

5. Is there a history of depression in your family? If yes, 3 points

6. Do you often experience tiredness, loss of energy, boredom, or an inability to feel pleasure? If yes, 3 points

7. Are you a thrill-seeker or risk-taker? If yes, 3 points

8. Do you respond positively to tricyclic antidepressant drugs, such as Tofranil, Elavil, Endep, or Pamelor? If yes, 5 points

9. Do you respond positively to prescription drugs, such as Ritalin, Cylert, Adderall, or methamphetamine? If yes, 5 points

10. Do antihistamine drugs like Benadryl cause you to feel “speedy?” If yes, 2 points

Total of 13 to 16 points: You are probably catecholamine-deficient.

Total of 17 or more points: You are very probably catecholamine-deficient.

The Dopamine PAK may be right for you.

Disclaimer: The information contained in this document is for educational purposes only and it should not be followed without first consulting with a healthcare professional who is knowledgeable about CAM (Complementary/Alternative Medicine), Integrative and/or Orthomolecular Medicine. If you have any known medical or psychiatric disorder you should first follow the recommendations of your healthcare professional before taking nutritional supplements. The statements contained in this document or presentation have not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).