The document discusses what causes anxiety disorders like Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). GAD affects around 7 million people and is characterized by excessive anxiety for at least 6 months that causes symptoms like sleep issues, irritability, and muscle tension. While the specific causes are not fully understood, factors that may contribute include genetics as GAD runs in families, environmental trauma, and imbalances in neurotransmitters like GABA, serotonin, and dopamine in the brain. Certain brain regions like the amygdala have also been linked to anxiety disorders and related physical health issues. Phobias are another type of anxiety disorder that some evidence suggests may be imprinted genetically.
7. However, for some people, anxiety constitutes
a cascade of dread and worry that's difficult to
stop This chronic situation definitely harms
quality of life.
17. An individual suffering from GAD may also
experience bouts of accelerated heart rate,
shortness of breath, and dizziness.
18. While not yet fully understood, feeling is
partially triggered by the amygdala and
hypothalamus, controlling the flow of cortisol
and adrenaline in your body.
19. Genetically speaking, 40% of those with
generalized anxiety disorder also have a
relative affected by it.
29. But since many fears can help use survive---
like the fear of spiders or heights, it's been
suggested that they may be imprinted on our
DNA and passed on.
30. When mice are shocked with electricity after
been exposed to the smell of fruit, they
quickly learn are fear that smell.
31. But more amazing is that the future
generations of mice also fear the fruit smells,
even though they've never been exposed to
the shock.