What is Anxiety? Anxiety is a natural response to stress or perceived threats, characterized by feelings of worry, nervousness, or fear. It can manifest in various ways, including physical symptoms like increased heart rate, sweating, and difficulty concentrating. While everyone experiences anxiety at times, it becomes a concern when it interferes with daily life.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE CAUSES OF ANXIETY?

• Genetics: A family history of anxiety disorders can increase the likelihood of developing anxiety.
• Brain Chemistry: Imbalances in neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine can play a role in anxiety.
• Environmental Stressors: Life events such as trauma, loss, or significant life changes (like moving or changing jobs) can trigger anxiety.
• Chronic Stress: Ongoing stress from work, relationships, or other sources can contribute to anxiety.
• Health Issues: Certain medical conditions, hormonal changes, or chronic illnesses can lead to anxiety symptoms.
• Substance Use: Alcohol, caffeine, and drugs can increase anxiety or mimic its symptoms.
• Learned Behaviors: Past experiences and learned responses can shape how one reacts to stress and anxiety.
• Poor Gut Health: Poor gut health can affect neurotransmitter production and inflammatory responses, both of which are linked to mood and anxiety.

Understanding the underlying causes can help in finding effective treatment and management strategies.

ARE THERE DIFFERENT TYPES OF ANXIETY? 

There are many different types of anxiety and often patients will experience more than one kind at a time. Some of the most common types of anxiety are:

• Generalised Anxiety Disorder – where a person worries about lots of different things, most days of the week, for a period of six months or more.
•  Social Anxiety – A person has an intense fear of being criticised, embarrassed or humiliated, even in everyday situations.
• Phobias – A person feels very fearful about a particular object or situation and may go to great lengths to avoid it, for example, traveling on a plane.
• Panic Disorders – A person has panic attacks, which are intense, overwhelming and often uncontrollable feelings of anxiety combined with a range of physical symptoms i.e. shortness of breath, chest pain or dizziness.
• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder – A person has ongoing unwanted thoughts and fears that cause anxiety. They often try to relieve their anxiety by carrying out certain behaviors or rituals i.e. excessively washing their hands.
• Post Traumatic Stress Disorder – This can happen after a person experiences a traumatic event (e.g. war, assault, accident). Symptoms can include upsetting dreams or flashbacks of the event, difficulty relaxing and avoidance of anything related to the event.

HOW DO WE TREAT ANXIETY? CAN NUTRITION HELP?

Managing anxiety often involves therapy, lifestyle changes, and, in some cases, medication.

Whilst nutrition alone may not eliminate anxiety, it can be a valuable part of a comprehensive management plan alongside therapy and other treatments. As a nutritionist, I work with patients to help identify any nutrient deficiencies that may exacerbate symptoms, manage a patient’s diet to help stabilise blood sugar levels, and offer guidance on avoiding foods that could exacerbate anxiety. In addition, we also focus on gut health. The gut and brain are closely connected through what’s known as the gut-brain axis. An imbalance in gut bacteria (dysbiosis) can affect neurotransmitter production and inflammatory responses, both of which are linked to mood and anxiety.

If you’re looking for more natural ways to manage anxiety, check out this post here: “10 Ways To Help Manage Anxiety Naturally”

Common prescriptions for anxiety include psychological therapy and/or pharmacological prescriptions which include:

• Serotonin-norepinephrine re-uptake inhibitors (SNRIs): SNRIs work by blocking or delaying the re-uptake of serotonin and norepinephrine from the neuronal synapse. In turn, this elevates serotonin and norepinephrine levels. Given these drugs can also antagonise acetylcholine receptors (a chemical released by nerve cells to send signals to other cells), common side effects of these medications include dizziness, nausea, loss of appetite, constipation, weight loss, insomnia, headaches, dry mouth and agitation (1).
• Selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs): SSRI’s are used to correct low serotonin levels in the brain. Because they are considered selective, they are believed to avoid many of the anticholinergic side effects mentioned above. Possible side effects of these medications include drowsiness, nausea, diarrhoea, headache,agitation, dizziness, insomnia, initial anxiety, and so on (1).
• Benzodiazepines: Benzodiazepines are used to enhance the effect of GABA, a neurotransmitter that reduces the activity of neurons that cause anxiety. These medications can come with side effects like dizziness, headaches, blurred vision, sweating, trouble sleeping, impaired coordination, confusion and an increased risk of falling in elderly patients. (2)

Anxiety is a common experience that many of us face, but it’s important to remember that support and strategies are available. By understanding its causes and exploring ways to manage it, many of us can take steps toward a more balanced life. If you find yourself struggling, don’t hesitate to reach out to a friend, family member, or health professional. Remember, you’re not alone in this journey.