What evidence is there that anxiety disorders can be caused by chemical imbalances?
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Anxiety disorders have been associated with chemical imbalances in the brain. Studies have shown that trait anxiety is linked to altered dopamine release in corticolimbic pathways, with higher dopamine release in regions like the amygdala and rostral anterior cingulate cortex (rACC) being related to lower trait anxiety levels . Additionally, oxidative imbalance has been implicated in anxiety development, with oxidative stress playing a role in anxiety-like behavior in both humans and animals . Furthermore, research suggests that panic attacks, a hallmark of panic disorder, can be triggered by acid–base dysbalance, indicating a potential role of acidosis in inducing panic phenomena . Moreover, regional brain chemistry, particularly in the orbital frontal cortex (OFC), has been found to be associated with anxiety, with high anxiety subjects showing increased overall chemical concentrations in the OFC . These findings collectively support the notion that chemical imbalances can contribute to the development of anxiety disorders.
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55 Citations | Studies show a strong correlation between anxiety and oxidative stress, indicating that oxidative imbalance can lead to anxiety disorders by causing chemical imbalances in the body. |
50 Citations | Evidence suggests that acid-base dysregulation, particularly induced by CO2 inhalation and sodium lactate infusion, may contribute to panic disorder, highlighting a potential link between chemical imbalances and anxiety disorders. |
82 Citations | Anxiety disorders can be associated with chemical imbalances, particularly in the orbital frontal cortex, as indicated by increased N-Acetyl aspartate levels, suggesting a neurobiological basis for anxiety. |
21 Citations | Belief in chemical imbalances causing anxiety is common among psychiatric drug users, often based on personal experiences and authority figures' explanations, despite lack of scientific evidence. |
| Not addressed in the paper. |
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