The Braverman Neurotransmitter Assessment is a scientifically grounded self-evaluation tool designed to help individuals gain insight into their brain chemistry and cognitive personality profile. Developed by Dr. Eric Braverman, author of The Edge Effect, this tool measures both neurotransmitter dominance and neurochemical deficiencies, offering a window into your unique neurobiological landscape.
⚠️ Disclaimer: This test is not a diagnostic tool and is not intended to replace clinical evaluation or medical treatment. It is best used as a complementary tool for self-awareness and wellness planning under the guidance of a qualified health professional.
What the Braverman Test Measures
The assessment is a brief, 15–20 minute survey consisting of True/False statements that evaluate the presence and balance of four key neurotransmitters:
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Dopamine (drive, motivation, energy)
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Acetylcholine (processing speed, learning, creativity)
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GABA (calm, stability, stress resilience)
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Serotonin (mood, sleep, emotional regulation)
Dr. Braverman postulates that each person has a dominant neurotransmitter shaping their cognitive personality, while one or more may be deficient, influencing mood, memory, focus, and resilience. These neurochemical imbalances often precede the onset of more serious mental or physical health issues and can often be corrected through targeted interventions.
How to Take the Test
Download the interactive version of the Braverman Assessment in Apple Numbers format. This spreadsheet is compatible with all iOS and macOS devices and includes built-in formulas for automatic scoring.
📥 Download the Test:
Braverman Test – Download the test sheets in Apple Numbers (Will work on all iOS devices).
Instructions for Use
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Answer each question as True or False based on how you feel most of the time, not just today.
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For example, if you’re sleep-deprived or ill, respond based on your average day-to-day state.
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Each neurotransmitter has two test sections:
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Dominance (identifies your cognitive personality style)
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Deficiency (identifies potential imbalances needing support)
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Total the number of True responses for each category.
(In the Numbers file, this is calculated automatically.)
Interpreting Your Results
Neurotransmitter Dominance
This score helps identify your cognitive personality type, as categorized by Braverman in The Edge Effect.
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Score ≥ 35 in a dominance section: Likely your dominant neurotransmitter.
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If one section scores 15 points higher than all others, that neurotransmitter likely shapes your default behavioral style.
🧠 Dominant Types:
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Dopamine Dominant – Motivated, driven, logical (Rationalist)
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Acetylcholine Dominant – Fast, creative, communicative (Idealist)
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GABA Dominant – Calm, reliable, organized (Guardian)
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Serotonin Dominant – Present, resilient, sensory-oriented (Artisan)
Neurotransmitter Deficiency
Neurotransmitter imbalances may manifest as mental fatigue, emotional dysregulation, memory issues, or physical symptoms. These can be early indicators of neurodegeneration or functional disorders.
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Score 3–5: Mild deficiency
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Score 6–15: Moderate deficiency
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Score 16+: Severe deficiency
Braverman emphasizes that scores above 6 in any category should prompt active intervention. Chronic deficiencies, if unaddressed, are associated with conditions such as depression, anxiety, insomnia, ADHD, and even neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.
Addressing Deficiencies
Identified neurotransmitter imbalances can often be supported through:
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Targeted Nutrition (e.g., tyrosine for dopamine, choline for acetylcholine)
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Specific Supplement Protocols (e.g., adaptogens, amino acids, cofactors like B6, zinc, magnesium)
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Lifestyle Interventions
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Exercise: Aerobic training boosts serotonin and dopamine
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Meditation: Enhances GABA and serotonin
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Cognitive training: Improves acetylcholine synthesis and function
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Functional Medicine Testing (neurotransmitter metabolites, organic acids, micronutrient panels)
Personalized support can help restore balance, enhance brain performance, and improve quality of life across mental, physical, and emotional domains.
Scientific Basis
This assessment is based on Braverman’s integration of neurobiology, electrophysiology (brainwave mapping), and personality theory. His work is supported by research in:
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Neuroplasticity and aging (Pascual-Leone, 2005; Braverman, 2005)
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Nutritional neuroscience (Kennedy, 2016)
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Neurotransmitter-behavior relationships (Carlson, 2013)
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EEG-based brain mapping and cognitive profiles (Amen, 2015; Braverman & Blum, 1997)
By identifying your “edge”, you can intervene before symptoms escalate into chronic dysfunction, a core philosophy behind The Edge Effect.