The clinical process of fine-tuning the synthesis, release, and receptor sensitivity of neurotransmitters and neurohormones to ensure efficient and balanced communication within the central and peripheral nervous systems. This comprehensive optimization is essential for maintaining mood stability, rapid cognitive processing speed, high-quality sleep, and an adaptive stress response. It moves beyond treating overt deficiency to establishing peak neurological communication dynamics for sustained mental health.
Origin
This term is a conceptual derivative of neuroendocrinology and psychopharmacology, focusing on the therapeutic goal of maximizing nervous system function. It integrates the concepts of “neurological signaling” (chemical and electrical transmission) with “optimization” (the process of making something as fully functional as possible).
Mechanism
Optimization involves ensuring adequate substrate availability for neurotransmitter synthesis, such as essential amino acids and cofactors like B vitamins. Furthermore, balancing the interplay between excitatory (e.g., glutamate) and inhibitory (e.g., GABA) pathways is crucial for neural plasticity and appropriate calmness. Hormones, including thyroid and sex steroids, directly modulate the expression and sensitivity of numerous neurotransmitter receptors, acting as master regulators of the neurological signaling environment.
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