by Dr. Edward F. Group III, DC, Ph.D, ND, DACBN
Some degree of anxiety is perfectly normal. We all experience situations
where we may feel fear and apprehension. However, there are some people who feel
anxious even when there is no discernible cause. In these cases, the anxiety
usually becomes overwhelming and may interfere with the normal functioning of
one's life. People who suffer from a debilitating level of anxiety are suffering
from an anxiety disorder. Negative emotional patterns, anger, fear, stress and
anxiety all contribute to degenerative illness such as cancer, heart disease
etc..
What is Anxiety?
Anxiety is a normal physical reaction to an internal or external demand that
is placed on your system. The human body reacts to most stressful situations
with the "fight or flight" response where it is flooded with stress hormones.
These hormones make the heart pump faster, the breathing rate increase, and the
muscles tense up. This is the body's way of gearing up for imminent physical
activity. However, a person who suffers from an anxiety disorder may experience
chronic and recurrent episodes of anxiety that have no discernible cause. These
episodes can last for days, weeks, or even months. Sometimes, an anxiety
disorder may stem from a definite trigger such as childhood abuse or witnessing
the event of war. But in other situations, hormonal or chemical changes in the
brain or environmental factors cause an anxiety disorder to develop.
What Causes Anxiety?
There are several parts of the brain that are involved in the development of
anxiety. Scientists have performed research using brain imaging technologies and
neurochemical techniques to discover the network of interacting events that are
responsible for anxiety. Most of the activity appears to be centered around the
amygdala, an almond-shaped structure deep within the brain. Many researchers
feel that the amygdala acts as a sort of central "hub" that processes and
interprets different signals to and within the brain. The amygdala controls the
storage of emotional memories, therefore, it may play a central role in the
development of anxiety disorders such as phobias, and post traumatic stress
disorder.
The hiccocampus is another area of the brain that is likely to be involved in
anxiety disorders. This part of the brain is responsible for processing
threatening or traumatic stimuli. It helps to encode information into memories.
People who have undergone severe stress, such as military combat or childhood
abuse, have a smaller hiccocampus than people who have not experienced such a
traumatic event. The smaller size may explain the fragmented memory, flashbacks,
and memory deficits of those who develop post traumatic stress disorder.
Scientists are using this information to understand more about anxiety
disorders and how they develop. In studies of twins and family members,
researchers have determined that genetics does play some role in the development
of an anxiety disorder. But life experience is also certainly a factor.
Researchers are hoping to discover how genetics and experience interact in each
of the anxiety disorders. They can then use this information to develop
appropriate methods of prevention and treatment.
The Costs of Anxiety
According to a recent study by the Anxiety Disorder Association of America,
anxiety disorders cost the U.S. more than $42 billion a year. And more than
$22.84 billion is associated with the repeated use of healthcare services, as
those with anxiety disorders seek relief for symptoms that mimic physical
illnesses.
Do I Have An Anxiety Disorder? The Anxiety Self-Test
- Do you experience unexpected panic attacks, during which you are overcome
with fear for no apparent reason?
- Are you preoccupied with thoughts or images that you can't get out of your
mind (such as burning down the house, or being contaminated by germs)?
- Do you become terrified in public settings and social settings involving
unfamiliar people?
- Do you experience shortness of breath or heart palpitations for no apparent
physical reason?
- Do you spend an excessive amount of time each day doing things over and over
again (for example, hand washing, checking things, or counting)?
- Are you terrified at an inappropriate level of a particular object or
situation (such as spiders, heights, water, or dogs)?
- Do you feel restless, easily distracted, tense, irritable, and exhausted?
- Does your level of anxiety interfere with your daily life?
- Are you plagued by the memory of a traumatic event such as a car accident,
childhood abuse, or a natural disaster?
- Have you experienced changes in sleeping or eating habits?
Getting Help For Anxiety
After reading this information, you may feel that you are suffering from an
anxiety disorder. A visit to your natural health care professional is the best
way to begin treating your anxiety. A physician can evaluate your medical
history and your symptoms to determine whether the symptoms are due to an
anxiety disorder, some other medical condition, or both.
About The Author
Dr. Group, the founder/CEO and clinical director for the Global Healing
Center, heads a research and development team producing advanced, new, natural
health protocols and products. To learn more visit http://www.ghchealth.com.
support@ghchealth.com
