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GABA

What is GABA?

GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) is the most important inhibitor of neurotransmitters in the central nervous system and is often dysfunctional in people with mood disorders. It has also been investigated in people with schizophrenia. GABA can be measured via peripheral levels in plasma, via central levels in cerebrospinal fluid, and in brain regions using magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS). Possible GABA dysfunction has led to interest in GABA-acting medications as possible adjunctive treatments for schizophrenia, such as baclofen, progabide, and sodium valproate.

What is the evidence for GABA?

Moderate quality evidence finds no differences in GABA levels in the medial frontal cortex, parietal/occipital cortex, and the striatum of the basal ganglia of people with schizophrenia compared to controls, as measured by MRS.

October 2020

Last updated at: 4:45 am, 22nd October 2020
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Fact Sheet Technical Commentary

NeuRA Libraries

Title Colour Legend:
Green - Topic summary is available.
Orange - Topic summary is being compiled.
Red - Topic summary has no current systematic review available.