Monday, December 12, 2011

Mediators involved in anxiety disorder

Anxiety disorder is one of the most common mental disorders in the United States. There are different types of this disease, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). There are several reasons for anxiety disorders. Mostly, this is due to abnormal levels of certain chemicals that are known as neurotransmitters in the brain.
The brain continuously produces neurotransmitters that balance mood levels and keep them stable. When the mood levels are not stable, one is confronted with mood problems such as anxiety, stress and depression. Anxiety is also often seen as a sign of depression. Most of these mood disorders can be treated with various drugs. Nevertheless, it is important to consult a physician before taking any medication.
Serotonin is one of the chemicals that play an important role in maintaining the level of stress. Reduced levels of serotonin, as well as reducing the activity of this neurotransmitter can lead to anxiety, according to the American surgeon. If an anxiety disorder is associated with low levels of serotonin, it can be treated with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). In fact, these drugs is better than cure for people suffering from obsessive-compulsive disorder and post traumatic stress disorder.
Gamma amino butyric, or GABA, is a neurotransmitter, which has a calming effect on people. As serotonin deficiency in the neurotransmitter can cause anxiety. For the treatment of low levels of GABA, benzodiazepines are often prescribed. These drugs bind to GABA receptors and to increase the inhibitory neurotransmitter response. As a result, people get quick relief from anxiety. However, these drugs are not designed for prolonged use because they can be addictive.
Norepinephrine another neurotransmitter that can cause anxiety, if not found the right levels. This neurotransmitter is also known as nonadrenaline. This man excites and prepares him / her on the flight or fight response. When the body perceives stress, a neurotransmitter released adrenaline gland. However, if a person is in a state of chronic stress, norepinephrine always produced in the adrenal glands and the body is constantly in a state of flight or fight response. As a result, people are always stressed and nervous. This type of anxiety disorder can be treated with SNRIs, or serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors. These drugs are approved by the U.S. FDA for the treatment of depression, but they can also be used for anxiety disorders, according to the Mayo Clinic. Some of the side effects of these drugs include dry mouth, tremor, nausea and insomnia.
Corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) plays a very important role in the management of stress disorders, according to the Surgeon General of the United States. CRH released in increased quantities in the case of anxiety disorder. An article published in 2008 in the European Journal of Pharmacology claims that drugs designed CRH receptors in the cells may be crucial for effective treatment of depression and other anxiety disorders.