A
great deal of research is currently being supported by the National
Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) in regards to the causes,
diagnosis, prevention and treatment of anxiety disorders. Studies
have been conducted to examine both the genetic and environmental
risks for major anxiety disorders. Their course is being examined
both alone and when they occur with other disorders such as
depression.
Several parts of the brain are key actors in a highly dynamic
interplay that gives rise to fear and anxiety. Using neurochemical
techniques or brain imaging technologies scientists are locating
a network of interacting structures are responsible for the
emotions people experience within anxiety disorders. There is
a lot of research centered on the amygdala, which is believed
to act as a center of communication between the part of the
brain that processes incoming sensory signals and also assists
in interpreting the signals. The amygdala can signal that a
threat is present, and also triggers a fear response or anxiety.
This piece of the brain seems to be involved in anxiety disorders
like phobias. Different parts of the brain may be involved in
other forms of anxiety.
Other research focuses on the hippocampus, another brain structure
that is responsible for processing threatening or traumatic
stimuli. The hippocampus plays a key role in the brain by assisting
in encoding information into memories. The hippocampus has been
found to be smaller in people who have undergone severe stress
because of situations such as child abuse or military combat.
In a disorder such as PTSD where individuals have flashbacks,
deficits in explicit memory and fragmented memory for detail
of the traumatic event. In addition, research has demonstrated
that the basal ganglia and striatum are involved in obsessive-compulsive
disorder. Learning more about the way in which the brain transmits
and interprets messages may help scientists to better supply
the public with better techniques and treatments for fear and
anxiety.
Twins and families studies that have been conducted suggest
that genes could possibly play a role in the origin of anxiety
disorders. Having said this, genes are not the sole determinant
of whether an individual develops an anxiety disorder. Environment
and experience also has a lot to due with whether a disorder
develops. For example, PTSD occurs when a trauma triggers the
anxiety disorder. As far as genetic influence goes, who and
how severe PTSD is may be determined by genetic disposition.
Currently researchers are attempting to learn what the interaction
is between genetics and experience with each of the anxiety
disorders.
Researchers hope to find out how these variables interact
so that they can develop more effective interventions. Currently
clinical trials are being performed so that scientists can
determine for instance, how well medication and behavioral
therapies work together in the treatment of OCD. Studies are
also being performed as to medication for Attention Deficit
Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in children and adolescents
who are dually diagnosed with an anxiety disorder.
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