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Neurochemical Adaptations

Meaning

Neurochemical adaptations refer to the sustained, structural, and functional changes that occur within the brain’s complex chemical signaling systems in response to chronic internal or external stimuli, such such as prolonged stress, specific disease states, or the administration of therapeutic agents. These adaptations involve measurable alterations in the synthesis, release, receptor density, or reuptake mechanisms of crucial neurotransmitters, including serotonin, dopamine, and GABA. Clinically, these underlying changes are what drive the development of psychological symptoms, including mood disorders, anxiety, and changes in cognitive function, often linking directly to the status of the endocrine axes.