Every neurotransmitter behaves differently. Some are inhibitory, meaning they tend to calm the brain. Others are excitatory and have the opposite effect. Extensive scientific research has revealed a close link between imbalances in gamma-amino-butyric acid (GABA, the central nervous system's primary inhibitory neurotransmitter) and anxiety disorders.

Elevations in a number of excitatory neurotransmitters, including epinephrine, norepinephrine, PEA, glutamate,and histamine may also be associated with anxiety disorders. Environmental and biological factors-including stress, poor diet, neurotoxins or genetics - can cause imbalances in the levels of neurotransmitter chemicals in the brain. These imbalances can trigger or exacerbate anxiety disorder symptoms.

Recognizing Anxiety Disorders Some anxiety and fear is normal. It's part of life. But for many people, normal fears can escalate into persistent, irrational fears that interfere with daily life. For them, constant anxiety and fear become an unbearable burden. Like diabetes or heart disease, anxiety disorders are serious medical conditions that can get progressively worse if left untreated.

Fortunately, anxiety disorders are very treatable. The remedy depends on the type of disorder.

Most disorders fall into one of five categories:

1. Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) Excessive, unrealistic worry that lasts six months or more
2. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Persistent, recurring thoughts or obsessions that reflect exaggerated anxiety or fears
3. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Exposure to a traumatic event
4. Panic Disorders Severe attacks of panic for no apparent reason.
5. Phobias Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD): Extreme anxiety about being judged by others or • Intense fear reaction to a specific object or situation (such as spiders,dogs, or heights)

Facts about Anxiety Disorders Anxiety disorders are characterized by excessive worry about everyday things. Unlike those who are anxious from time to time,individuals with anxiety disorders are plagued by excessive worrying over a prolonged period of time - generally at least 6 months.

 Anxiety disorders are the most common psychiatric illnesses affecting both children and adults. 19 million adult Americans suffer from anxiety disorders. Anxiety disorders may develop from a complex set of risk factors -including genetics,brain chemistry,personality,and life events. 

Anxiety disorders are highly treatable, yet only about one-third of people suffering from an anxiety disorder receive treatment.

Anxiety disorders are commonly misdiagnosed and under-treated. • Anxiety disorders can mimic physical illnesses - causing fatigue, restlessness,sleep problems, insomnia, muscle tension,sweating, nausea, cold hands, difficulty swallowing, jumpiness, gastrointestinal discomfort or diarrhea. Anxiety disorders are characterized by excessive worry about everyday things.

Improving Treatment

Most of the drug-based methods used to treat anxiety include chemicals that either imitate a neurotransmitter or redistribute existing neurotransmitters. Many affect serotonin, and some affect other neurotransmitters like GABA, norepinephrine, or dopamine. It is generally believed that drugs supporting serotonin signaling will be beneficial when anxiety results from a lack of serotonin and that GABA supporting drugs will be effectivewhen a person's symptoms are caused by a lack of GABA.

While the idea of matching a drug to a chemical imbalance is generally supported, the vast majority of healthcare providers prescribe psychological drugs based only on a patient's symptomsand very few actually try and match a drug to a biochemical imbalance. This may explain why some drugs are ineffective for some patients.

Neurotransmitter function can also be supported with nutrient-based programs. Neurotransmitters are made from various components of food in a normal, healthy diet. Increasing the amounts of these dietary constituents can help maintain normal neurotransmitter levels. While no program can guarantee success for everyone, it is worthwhile to effectively match a drug-based and/or nutrient-based program to the specific needs of the individual.