Anxiety

Overview

Anxiety, a mood disorder characterized by a feeling of vague, unspecified harm, apprehension or distress, often about the future, without an apparent cause.  Psychiatrists often distinguish between Anxiety which can be thought of as a reaction to an ambiguous or imagined danger, and Fear, which is a response to a real threat.

 

The Amygdala (region of the Brain) regulates the expression of Anxiety.

 

 Anxiety - Treatments

 Approximately 10% of adults in Western nations have experienced an Anxiety disorder in the preceding six months.

 Approximately 27% of adults in Western nations experience an Anxiety disorder during their lifetimes.

Aldehydes

 Acetaldehyde may cause Anxiety.  ^[2] 

Alkaloids

 Anxiety may occur as a result of excessive consumption of Caffeine (caffeinism) or from Caffieine withdrawal.  Caffeine may exacerbate Anxiety symptoms in Anxiety patients.  ^[3]

 Caffeine may contribute to Anxiety by elevating Lactic Acid levels, antagonising the effects of Adenosine, blocking Benzodiazepine Receptors, increasing Adrenaline levels and increasing Norepinephrine levels.

 Anxiety caused by Caffeine is known medically as Caffeine-Related Anxiety.

 Excessive consumption of Ephedrine may cause Anxiety by causing excessive stimulation of the Central Nervous System (CNS).  ^[4]

 Anxiety may occur as a result of Nicotine (i.e. Tobacco Smoking) withdrawal.

 Excessive dosages of Yohimbine may cause Anxiety in some persons.

Amino Acids

 Excessive consumption of Aspartic Acid may cause Anxiety (by causing over-stimulation of the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) Receptors in the Brain).

 Excessive consumption of Glutamic Acid may cause Anxiety (by causing over-stimulation of the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) Receptors in the Brain).

 Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) may cause Anxiety (by causing over-stimulation of the N-Methyl-D-Aspartate (NMDA) Receptors in the Brain.

 Excessive dosages (more than 1,500 - 2,400 mg per day) of Phenylalanine supplements may cause Anxiety.  ^[5]