Supporting Document- Amritha Somasekar

Anxiety and the Brain: An Introduction - Calm Clinic

The neurotransmitters included in the causation of anxiety include serotonin, GABA,

norepinephrine, and even dopamine. Imbalances of these cause anxiety. While we know the
disorder is caused by these imbalances, it is impossible to tell why. Meaning, it cant be told
whether life experiences or other factors cause that particular imbalance. The two different parts
of anxiety are mental and physical. These two different symptoms affect different parts of the
brain. Hormones, such as adrenaline and the thyroid hormone aid in the creation of anxiety as
well. Anxiety has a numerous amount of links with the brain. Examples include the relationship
between the amygdala and panic attacks and anxiety and brain damage. Luckily, there are
methods to cure these imbalances and right the brain once again.
"Anxiety and the Brain: An Introduction." Anxiety and the Brain: An Introduction. Calm Clinic,
n.d. Web. 13 May 2016.
2

Is Panic Disorder Caused By a Chemical Imbalance?

The exact causes of panic disorders are unknown. One theory is the chemical imbalance
theory. This theory discusses the imbalances of neurotransmitters that are linked with the mood
and other body functions, such as serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine, and gammaaminobutyric acid (GABA). Other theories say that environmental and genetic factors can serve
as causes to the development of such disorders. However, today, most professionals believe
that a combination of all of these leads to panic and anxiety disorders. To treat these disorders,
one can use medication, to rebalance the neurotransmitters, psychotherapy, and self-help
strategies.
Star, Katharina. "Panic Disorder: Can a Chemical Imbalance Be to Blame?" Verywell.
Verywell.com, 1 Feb. 2015. Web. 19 May 2016.
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Anxiety disorders | University of Maryland Medical Center

There are many, many types of anxiety disorders. Risk factors include gender, age, traumatic
events, and medical conditions, and treatment includes various types of therapy and
medication. An anxiety disorder, in general, is the overaction of stress, fear and apprehension.
1 "Anxiety and the Brain: An Introduction - Calm Clinic." 2009. 13 May. 2016
<http://www.calmclinic.com/anxiety/anxiety-brain>

2 "Is Panic Disorder Caused By a Chemical Imbalance? - About Health." 2016. 19 May. 2016
<https://www.verywell.com/is-panic-disorder-caused-by-a-chemical-imbalance-2583984>

3 "Anxiety disorders | University of Maryland Medical Center." 2013. 19 May. 2016

<http://umm.edu/health/medical/reports/articles/anxiety-disorders>

Common types of anxiety disorders include Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), panic
disorders, phobias, OCD, PTSD, and separation anxiety disorder. Factors causing these can be
biochemical, brain structural, and genetic. There are specific risk factors for anxiety, depending
on the type of disorder. Accompanying health complications with anxiety include depression,
bipolar disorder, substance abuse, and eating disorders. It may also lead to social
complications, increased risk for suicide, and physical health complications, such as obesity and
chronic pain. There are various treatment options for anxiety, as mentioned above, including a
wide array of different types of medicine, cognitive and behavioral therapy, and even surgery.
"Anxiety Disorders." University of Maryland Medical Center. University of Maryland Medical
Center, n.d. Web. 19 May 2016.

What are Neurotransmitters?

Neurotransmitters are brain chemicals for communication. The two types of neurotransmitters
are inhibitory and excitatory. Important inhibitory neurotransmitters include serotonin, GABA,
and dopamine. Excitatory neurotransmitters include dopamine (again), norepinephrine, and
epinephrine. Dopamine is special because it can serve as both inhibitory and excitatory. One of
its main tasks is to allow focus. Serotonin regulates many body processes, and GABA acts as a
balancer of sorts. Norepinephrine and epinephrine are closely related and reflect stress and
anxiety.
"What Are Neurotransmitters?" What Are Neurotransmitters? Neurogistics, Inc., n.d. Web. 26
May 2016.

GABA and Serotonin Deficiency Anxiety

GABA can be thought of as the brains natural Valium. Without it and serotonin, it may be
impossible to calm and control anxious thoughts, which can lead to anxiety. Effects of having a
deficiency in either include IBS, headaches, panic attacks, and physical aches. Normally, GABA
and serotonin keep the mind calm and collected. Without them, worries can blow up
disproportionately and ruin peoples lives. To naturally boost GABA and serotonin levels, it is
important to improve overall brain health, learn about the brain, and reteach yourself how to
think and how to react to thoughts. Without medicine, there are numerous ways to increase
serotonin and GABA levels, including yoga, breathing techniques, diet, and exercise.

4 "What are Neurotransmitters? - Neurogistics." 2006. 24 May. 2016

<https://www.neurogistics.com/TheScience/WhatareNeurotransmi09CE.asp>

5 "GABA Deficient Anxiety - Balancing Brain Chemistry with Peter Smith." 2015. 26 May. 2016
<http://www.balancingbrainchemistry.co.uk/peter-smith/26/GABA-Deficient-Anxiety.html>

Smith, Peter. "Balancing Brain Chemistry with Peter Smith." GABA Deficient Anxiety.
PeterSmithUK.com, n.d. Web. 26 May 2016.

Link to project: http://anxiety---info.tumblr.com

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