Physiological Symptoms of Anxiety
Often when we are anxious, we notice certain sensations in our bodies. These bodies can sometimes mimic what we would consider to be a “gut feeling” or “intuition”… but often there’s a little more to it.
Our bodies have a built-in stress response system that's designed to protect us from danger. When we perceive a threat, our brain signals our adrenal glands to release the hormone cortisol, which triggers a chain reaction of physiological changes. These changes include an increase in heart rate, blood pressure, and respiration, as well as a boost in glucose levels to provide the energy needed for a "fight or flight" response.
In people with anxiety, this stress response system can be triggered even when there is no real threat. This can lead to a cycle of chronic anxiety, where the body is in a constant state of heightened arousal. Research has identified several biological factors that contribute to the development and maintenance of anxiety. This can also be seen in other mental health concerns like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), panic, social anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
The best way to describe it can be looked at within the model of panic attacks. They are often characterized by a range of physical symptoms, such as rapid heartbeat, sweating, trembling, shortness of breath, and chest pain. Biologically, just like PTSD, OCD, and anxiety, panic attacks involve a complex interplay between the brain, the nervous system, and the body's stress response system.
When a person experiences a panic attack, the brain perceives a threat, even if there is no real danger present. This triggers the release of stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol, which prepare the body for a fight-or-flight response. The release of these hormones leads to several physiological changes in the body that are characteristic of panic attacks.
One of the key changes that occurs during a panic attack is an increase in heart rate and blood pressure. This occurs as the body prepares to pump more blood to the muscles, in case the person needs to fight or flee from a perceived threat... I like to label this as getting our body ready to fight a tiger in our backyard (a highly unlikely situation). This increase in heart rate and blood pressure can lead to palpitations, chest pain, and a feeling of tightness or constriction in the chest. The release of stress hormones also causes changes in breathing patterns. Breathing becomes faster and shallower, and the person may feel like they can't catch their breath. This can lead to feelings of suffocation or hyperventilation.
Another common symptom of panic attacks is sweating. This occurs as the body tries to cool itself down during the stress response. The sweat glands are activated, and the person may experience profuse sweating, even if the environment is not particularly hot.
The release of stress hormones can also cause digestive issues, such as nausea or abdominal pain. This occurs as the body diverts blood away from the digestive system to the muscles and other organs needed for a fight-or-flight response.
Finally, the release of stress hormones can also affect the brain and lead to feelings of fear and anxiety. The amygdala, which is responsible for processing fear and emotional responses, becomes activated, and the person may experience intense feelings of dread, terror, or impending doom.
Understanding the biological mechanisms that underlie panic attacks can help individuals better manage their symptoms and improve their overall quality of life.
In conclusion, panic attacks are complex biological events that involve the interplay of many different physiological processes. While they can be frightening and debilitating, they are treatable. CBT is a very effective treatment for panic, trauma, OCD, and anxiety disorders.
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