GABA neurotransmitter is associated with which effect?

• A. Decrease anxiety and tension
• B. Increase anxiety
• C. No effect on anxiety
• D. Increases appetite

Answer: (A)

GABA is the main inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain, and its action tends to calm neural activity. When GABA binds to its receptors, chloride channels open, neurons hyperpolarize, and excitability decreases. This inhibitory effect underlies the calming, anti-anxiety influence, so increased GABA signaling reduces anxiety and tension. Clinically, agents that enhance GABA signaling produce anxiolytic and sedative effects, illustrating this relationship. The other options don’t fit because GABA’s role is to dampen activity rather than increase it; thus it does not increase anxiety or have no effect, and while appetite involves other pathways, the primary action of GABA here is reducing anxiety.