An imbalance of naturally occurring brain chemicals — such as serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine — is often seen in people with GAD and could be an indicator of a propensity to develop the disorder, according to the Mayo Clinic.
The human brain is believed to have hundreds of different neurotransmitters. The chemical imbalance theory suggests that a person can become more susceptible to developing anxiety symptoms if one or more of these chemicals is not balanced.
Serotonin Serotonin may be the most well-known neurotransmitter. Low levels of serotonin are linked to both anxiety and depression.
Neurotransmitters altering amygdala volume:
In several studies, the dysregulation of GABA (gamma amino butyric acid), a inhibitory neurotransmitter, especially the GABAA variant,has long been found to elevate the amgydala activity in the brain, thereby causing GAD.
The exact cause of GAD is not fully understood, although it's likely that a combination of several factors plays a role. Research has suggested that these may include: the genes you inherit from your parents. having a history of stressful or traumatic experiences, such as domestic violence, child abuse or bullying.
Generalized anxiety disorder involves persistent and excessive worry that interferes with daily activities. This ongoing worry and tension may be accompanied by physical symptoms, such as restlessness, feeling on edge or easily fatigued, difficulty concentrating, muscle tension or problems sleeping.
Vitamin B deficiency (B1, B6, B7, B12, B complex) can contribute to depression, anxiety, and mood swings. It is associated with a disruption in the nervous system as well as the circulatory system. B12/B9, or folate, is at the forefront of mood management.
It's not just serotonin either - most neurotransmitters influence anxiety in some way, and in some cases an overabundance of a chemical can lead to anxiety. If you have anxiety you can also develop chemical imbalances that were not previously present, because anxiety affects your brain chemicals.
Some of these are: Chemical Imbalance in the Brain: Overthinking leads to create an imbalance in neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, etc. that can harm the brain's memory and feeling systems.
Cortisol is the main villain who creates unhealthy overthinking and is released in the hypothalamus – a region very near to the centre of your brain.
Chemical Imbalance Treatment Options
Eat foods rich in vitamin D, such as tuna, salmon, beef liver, and egg yolks, or get out and spend some time in the sun. Your healthcare provider may be able to recommend some herbal medications you can try to manage your body chemistry.
MDMA causes greater release of serotonin and norepinephrine than of dopamine. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that plays an important role in the regulation of mood, sleep, pain, appetite, and other behaviors. The excess release of serotonin by MDMA likely causes the mood-elevating effects people experience.
Amino Acid Therapy
Using specific amino acid supplements is a natural way to help optimize neurotransmitter balance. Supplementation may also complement or eliminate the need for anti-depressants and other psychiatric medications, and can help restore positive outlook and overall function.
production of serotonin – serotonin is a hormone that affects your mood, appetite and sleep; a lack of sunlight may lead to lower serotonin levels, which is linked to feelings of depression.
If your hormones become imbalanced (meaning your levels are too high or too low), they can interfere with the body's normal processes—causing a variety of complications, including anxiety.
The participants with GAD also exhibited lower neural activity in the ventromedial prefrontal cortex. This area of the brain is responsible for regulating the autonomic nervous system and generates feelings of fear or safety.
Serotonin is a crucial chemical for increasing mood and decreasing anxiety. Researchers have found a clear connection between low serotonin levels and increases in depression, anxiety, and other mental health challenges.
One study shows that 68% of Americans are magnesium deficient (www.usda.gov). The role of magnesium is complex and its deficiency is implicated in a number of nonspecific neuropsychological changes such as agitation, fear, anxiety, depression, dizziness, poor attention, insomnia, and restlessness.
Based on current data, magnesium taurate and glycinate have the most research supporting their effects on anxiety and other mental health disorders. Magnesium malate and threonine have also demonstrated therapeutic effects and may be useful in many psychiatric cases.
Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is a mental health condition that causes fear, worry and a constant feeling of being overwhelmed. It's characterized by excessive, frequent and unrealistic worry about everyday things, such as job responsibilities, health or chores. It can affect children and adults.
Outlook (Prognosis)
How well a person does depends on how severe the condition is. In some cases, GAD is long-term and is difficult to treat. Most people get better with medicine and/or talk therapy.
GAD can make daily life feel like a constant state of worry, fear, and dread. The good news is GAD is treatable.
age-related health and brain changes. chronic stress. a lack of exposure to natural light. lack of physical activity.