While occasional nervousness or stress may be experienced by anyone at some point in their life, anxiety is a multisystem response to a perceived threat or danger. It is important to distinguish between anxiety as a feeling or experience, and an anxiety disorder as a psychiatric diagnosis. A person may feel anxious without having an anxiety disorder. A person facing a clear and present danger or a realistic fear is not usually considered to be in a state of anxiety.
Anxiety reflects a combination of biochemical changes in the body, the patient's personal history and memory, and the social situation. Anxiety involves an ability, to use memory and imagination to move backward and forward in time. A large portion of human anxiety is produced by anticipation of future events. People with anxiety disorders often have symptoms that go beyond a simple response to stressful situations. As such, anxiety disorders are characterized by constant worry or panic, avoidance of certain situations, and nightmares or flashbacks of a traumatic event. Do you experience any of the following symptoms?
- Worry and/or fear
- Racing heart
- Feelings of panic
- Trouble sleeping
- Obsessive thoughts
- Avoiding social situations
Diagnosis and Treatment
Anxiety disorders can vary greatly in severity and duration, and accordingly, a variety of treatment plans are available. The first step in developing an appropriate treatment plan is to determine the cause(s) of the symptoms. Once the biochemical abnormalities contributing to anxiety are identified, a personalized treatment approach to depression can be undertaken.
- Chronic Inflammation - It is now understood that chronic inflammation is commonly found in individuals with anxiety issues, affecting mood by altering brain chemistry and hormones. The immune system can be evaluated in a number of ways to identify the presence and cause of inflammation or other root causes of anxiety.
- Neurotransmitter Imbalance - Assessment of neurotransmitter levels can provide valuable information about the status of the nervous system and its interaction with other systems in the body. Neurotransmitters are recognized as the primary biochemical messengers of the central and peripheral nervous systems. Studies have demonstrated that urinary neurotransmitter measures are reflective of circulating levels as evidenced by renal neurotransmitter clearance mechanisms. While urinary neurotransmitter measures are not considered direct reflections of central nervous system activity, various disease states stemming from central nervous system imbalances have been associated with urinary neurotransmitter alterations. Research has shown that urinary neurotransmitter measurements have clinical value as representative biomarkers of various neurological, immunological, and endocrinological conditions. Also, controlled studies have shown that after intervention with centrally-acting medications, symptoms resolve with changes in corresponding urinary biomarkers.
- Nutrient deficiency - Stress, alcohol, toxines, caffeine, sugar, and intestinal yeast can lead to nutrient depletion. It is important to test and replenish the mising nutrients needed for proper brain function. Also, clean up your diet from mind robbing molecules like caffeine, alcohol, refined sugars, and eat regularly to avoid the short-term stress of starvation on your body.
- Toxic burden and allergens - Toxines can overwhelm your body and alter your mind. Cleaning your system from pesticides, heavy metals and allergy inducing substances will heyour body and mind.
Many people are in the health care system for a long time and don't get well. Often, their symptoms are considered to have psychiatric or emotional causes, when are actually caused by physical - organic disorders. Treat the cause instead of masking your symptoms.
