By Varsha Seshadri
Anxiety is something that’s very similar to fear, but not the same thing. It is characterized as a mental and physical state of negative expectation, including arousal and constant worrying. Even though anxiety can become disordered if not managed properly, having some anxiety is normal and even good at times. Anxiety is likely becoming disordered when the anxiety is persistent or extreme.
Anxiety and The Brain
Anxiety and other mood disorders are heavily connected to neurobiology. This means that an altercation to a part of the brain may influence the risks for developing anxiety- not just psychological factors. In addition, this makes the elevated risk for anxiety genetic.
A crucial part of the brain which controls moods such as anxiety is the amygdala. It is a part of the limbic system (also includes the hippocampus and hypothalamus), located right below the cerebellum. Specifically, the Dorsal Anterior Cingulate Cortex (DACC) sends fear signals to the amygdala, and the connection becomes enhanced. This enhancement leads to more fear signals, meaning an increase in anxious thoughts. And if the ventromedial prefrontal cortex (located in the front of the brain), which inhibits anxious thoughts, is also damaged, it can lead to an increase in anxious thoughts.
But, there is also a part of the nervous system which controls the fight-or-flight response commonly associated with anxiety- the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. The sympathetic nervous system activates the anxious response, while the parasympathetic response slows the nervous system down following an attack. Both of these systems are linked to anxiety disorders as well as panic attacks.
In addition to the nervous system, neurotransmitters- chemicals which pass messages throughout the brain- also play a big role in controlling anxiety disorders. One inhibitory neurotransmitter, Gamma-amino butyric acid (GABA) is central for anxiety regulation. Specifically, since GABA’s role is to relax the body, high amounts of it can create an anesthesia-like effect, calming one down after an anxiety or a panic attack.
References
How Does Anxiety Affect Your Brain? (2024, June 14). X Code Life. Retrieved September 7, 2024, from https://www.xcode.life/genes-and-health/how-anxiety-affects-brain/
Sandeep K and Rajmeet S: Role of different neurotransmitters in anxiety: a systemic review. Int J PharmSci Res 2017; 8(2): 411-21.doi: 10.13040/IJPSR.0975-8232.8(2).411-21.
What is Anxiety? (n.d.). Psychology Today. Retrieved September 7, 2024, from https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/anxiety
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