How Does Anxiety Affect The Brain?
Even with little research, you probably have a good idea or could even guess some of the most common signs and symptoms of anxiety.
Increased heart rate, nausea, sweating, trouble concentrating, and shortness of breath. Those are just a few of the most common signs and symptoms of anxiety.
You may be aware of how anxiety can be portrayed, but are you aware of how anxiety actually affects the brain? Don’t worry, we’re here to help.
Let’s learn more about how anxiety affects the brain.
Brain Function
The body has a natural defense system set up to protect itself from perceived threats. When anxiety is present, it can cause a shift in the body’s fight or flight response. Anxiety can cause an influx of stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol. These hormones can lead to changes in blood flow, heart rate, reflexes, and respiration. Does this sound familiar? It should be because this is the main cause of most of the signs and symptoms associated with anxiety.
A normal fight or flight response would consist of the release of stress hormones until the perceived threat is under control. When the body is in a constant state of stress like it is with anxiety, it’s hard to return to a normal state of functioning again. This can leave the body unable to relax since it will be unable to determine if the perceived threat is gone or not.
The Amygdala
The amygdala is a part of the brain that suffers directly from anxiety. The amygdala is responsible for emotions, especially in regard to anger and fear. Anxiety can lead to an increase in the size of the amygdala. This growth can also cause an increase in the body’s response to negative events or perceived threats.
The Hippocampus
Just like the amygdala, the hippocampus is another part of the brain that suffers directly from anxiety. When it comes to the hippocampus, anxiety can cause it to shrink. Since the hippocampus is involved with learning and memory, this shrinkage can affect an individual’s ability to remember information or form new memories.
When anxiety is present, the hippocampus has difficulting sorting through memories. Anxiety can cause the hippocampus to save memories that are related to fear which makes it more difficult to hold onto or remember good times, which can lead to signs and symptoms of depression if left untreated.
The Prefrontal Cortex
The connection between the amygdala and the prefrontal cortex is weakened when anxiety is present. The prefrontal cortex is what processes information, solves problems, and comes up with decisions. The weakened connection makes it difficult for the prefrontal cortex to send logical responses to the amygdala when perceived danger is present. This means that people who suffer from anxiety are at a greater risk of developing rational responses when faced with negative or challenging situations.
Next Steps
Just like the signs and symptoms of anxiety, the impact of anxiety on the brain can worsen over time if anxiety is left untreated.
Anxiety is a normal human emotion. Everyone will experience it from time to time just like they will experience happiness, sadness, anger, or jealousy. When anxiety starts to have an impact on your body, brain, and daily life or routine, it’s a sign of a larger issue.
If you’re experiencing signs and symptoms of anxiety, you’re not alone. Despite how you may be feeling, help is available to you and you deserve it. One of the best things you can do for yourself and your life is to reach out for help. The sooner you reach out for help, the sooner you’ll be able to better manage and control your anxiety.
It’s time to take back control of your life. Reach out to us today if you’re interested in setting up a consultation for your anxiety.