We've all experienced symptoms of anxiety at some point in our lives. A pounding heart, tense muscles, rapid breathing, perfuse sweating, or an upset stomach characterize a few of the many symptoms associated with the illness. Perhaps you've felt anxious when you've given a speech, taken a test, or driven in heavy traffic. While this kind of tension may have felt uncomfortable, it also helped you cope. You had a reason to be anxious, and the tension it caused kept you aware and ready to react. Now imagine feeling anxious for no apparent reason.

What is an Anxiety Disorder?

Brain cells pass signals through the release and uptake of special chemicals called neurotransmitters.

Anxiety disorders are conditions that have their roots in both human experience and biology. Brain cells communicate with each other by passing signals through the release and uptake of chemicals called neurotransmitters. Scientists theorize that anxiety symptoms result because the brain produces too much of the neurotransmitters serotonin and norepinephrine. Too much serotonin is associated with tension, while if there are high levels of norepinephrine in the system, a person experiences other physical symptoms that are associated with anxiety, like heart palpitations. As scientists use molecular biology techniques to advance their knowledge of the brain and the nervous system, understanding of the physiological basis of anxiety disorders is expected to grow substantially.

While anxiety can be a protective response to a perceived threat or danger, it also can become a problem for some people who have no obvious cause. In cases where anxiety is excessive and does not seem to be warranted, it can be debilitating. In addition, a variety of substances, medications and medical conditions can lead to anxiousness; in these cases, the anxiousness goes away when the substance is not taken or changes are made in the medication.

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Reviewed: 02/2006