Anxiety Due to a Chemical Imbalance

According to the U.S. surgeon general, approximately 16 percent of American adults suffer from an anxiety disorder each year. Common symptoms of an anxiety disorder include panic attacks, agoraphobia, social anxiety, shortness of breath or chest pain and feelings of "losing control" or "going crazy."

Identification

• Anxiety disorders are caused by a combination of physiological, psychological and environmental factors. An imbalance of certain neurotransmitters, hormones and other chemicals in the body can cause anxiety disorders to develop and can be treated with medications.

GABA

• Gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) seems to play a role in anxiety disorders, but the exact role is unknown. Benzodiazepine medications such as Xanax and Ativan regulate GABA levels and are typically effective at treating anxiety disorders

Serotonin

• Low serotonin levels may play a role in anxiety disorders. Antidepressant medications that raise serotonin levels, including SSRIs such as Lexapro and Paxil, are commonly used to treat symptoms of depression.

Diabetes

• Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar levels, can induce symptoms of anxiety, including confusion, panic attacks and other physiological symptoms associated with panic attacks. Treating diabetes through diet management, insulin or prescription medication can help treat the chemical cause of anxiety.

Warning

• Treating socio-environmental factors, such as working in a high stress environment and having poor coping skills for managing stress, is necessary for adequately treating an anxiety disorder. Anti-anxiety medications, especially benzodiazepines, have a high risk of abuse and dependence.