Neurotransmitters play specific and defined roles in regulating our cognitive, emotional, and physiological functions (attention, motivation, relaxation, etc.).

noli's read

The creator offers a useful simplification for understanding brain chemistry, and most of the associations are generally aligned with classical neuroscience. For example, the role of dopamine in the reward system and motivation is widely documented by numerous neurobiology studies (e.g., Schultz et al., work on reinforcement). GABA is indeed recognized as the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter, promoting relaxation, as highlighted by various meta-analyses on GABAergic receptors. However, this view is a simplification: a neurotransmitter never acts alone, but rather within complex networks. The idea that one could isolate or 'hack' a single neurotransmitter for a specific effect (the 'cheat sheet' aspect) is a common exaggeration in the wellness community, as the brain maintains a dynamic balance (homeostasis) that is difficult to selectively manipulate. Some roles are also reductive; serotonin, for instance, does not only manage mood but also plays a role in major digestive and metabolic functions.

the sources

No named source held this one up — that absence is part of the verdict.