Anxiety is a common emotion, everyone experiences it from time to time, be it before an important presentation or meeting someone on a date. Normally, anxiety goes away once the stressful situation is over. However, this anxiety can be persistent and quite nagging for those who have an anxiety disorder.
But have you wondered why normal anxiety and anxiety disorder are so different? What happens in the brain if someone suffers from an anxiety disorder? In this article, we’ll discuss some key differences between an anxious brain and a normal brain
-
Amagydala
The amygdala is an almond-shaped structure in the brain, responsible for processing emotions, fear and anxiety in particular. That is why it is also known as the fear centre of the brain, In an anxious brain, the amygdala is usually hypersensitive, leading to an exaggerated response to even minor threats or non-threatening situations. In contrast, a normal brain has balanced activity in the amygdala, leading to balanced emotional reactions instead of exaggerated fear. Research has also shown that the size of the amygdala is larger in brains with anxiety as compared to normal brains
-
Hippocampus
The hippocampus plays a crucial role in the formation of new memories and also in the recall of old ones. The hippocampus can be severely affected in people with anxiety. Research and brain imaging suggest that chronic stress and anxiety can cause the hippocampus to shrink in size, impairing its ability to process memories effectively. Additionally, anxiety can make it harder for the hippocampus to recall positive memories, leading to the brain getting stuck in negative memories that increase the anxiety. In a normal brain, the hippocampus can recall positive events appropriately as per context.
-
Pre-frontal cortex (PFC)
The PFC is responsible for higher-order cognitive functions such as decision-making, problem-solving, and emotional regulation. Within the PFC, there is another small region called the ventrolateral prefrontal cortex (VLPFC) which is responsible for regulating the fear signals coming from the amygdala, leading to rational response and emotional regulation. However, in an anxious brain, there is an impaired connection between the PFC and the amygdala, leading to difficulties in emotional regulation.
-
Anterior Cingulate Cortex (ACC)
The ACC is a part of the brain involved in the detection of pain. It also plays a crucial role in emotional processing. Impulse control and error detection. In an anxious brain, the ACC becomes hyperactive. This hyperactivity can lead to an increased perception of threat, fueling constant worry and negative thoughts, which further leads to a state of hypervigilance in people with anxiety, Conversely, the ACC functions in a balanced way in normal brains.
-
Neurotransmitters
You might have heard that anxiety can sometimes be caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain. Neurotransmitters are brain chemicals. that transmit signals across the brain. In an anxious brain, there are often imbalances in key neurotransmitters such as serotonin, norepinephrine, and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). Serotonin is often low in people with anxiety. Norepinephrine is responsible for the body’s fight-or-flight response and high levels of norepinephrine are often associated with anxiety Similarly, reduced GABA activity is associated with anxiety.
Conclusion:
Anxiety is a complex condition that can cause changes in the inner workings of the brain. Thus, an anxious brain differs from a normal brain in various aspects, such as the size of the amygdala and hippocampus and also neurotransmitters. However, it is important to know that the anxious brain can start returning to normalcy through various anxiety treatments, such as Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) or medication. So, if you are someone struggling with anxiety, don’t hesitate to seek help.
References:
- Can a Chemical Imbalance Be to Blame for Panic Disorder? (n.d.). Verywell Mind. Retrieved June 25, 2024, from https://www.verywellmind.com/is-panic-disorder-caused-by-a-chemical-imbalance-2583984
- How Does Anxiety Affect Your Brain? – Xcode Life India. (n.d.). Retrieved June 25, 2024, from https://www.xcode.in/genes-and-health/how-anxiety-affects-brain/
- How Social Anxiety Affects the Brain | Psych Central. (n.d.). Retrieved June 25, 2024, from https://psychcentral.com/anxiety/eye-tracking-evidence-shows-that-social-anxiety-changes-the-picture
- The Pain of Worry: The Anxious Brain | Psychology Today. (n.d.). Retrieved June 25, 2024, from https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/neuroscience-in-everyday-life/201811/the-pain-worry-the-anxious-brain
- Your Anxious Brain (and How to Rewire It)—Dr Nathan Brandon. (n.d.). Retrieved June 25, 2024, from https://drnathanbrandon.com/your-anxious-brain-and-how-to-rewire-it/
