Anxiety is a normal and adaptive emotion that humans experience in situations of danger or stress. However, when this emotion becomes excessive or disproportionate to the perceived threat, it can develop into an anxiety disorder. Understanding anxiety from a biological perspective is essential to be able to effectively address this type of disorder. In this article, we will explore the three most important biological theories of anxiety that have emerged in the field of psychology.
Reticular Activating System (RAS) Theory )
One of the most influential biological theories in the study of anxiety is the Reticular Activation System (RAS) Theory. This theory postulates that anxiety is the result of excessive activation of the SAR, a system of neurons distributed in the brain stem that regulates the body's level of alertness and activation.
The SAR is responsible for maintaining the awake and alert individual, preparing him to face dangerous situations. In the case of anxiety, it is believed that the SAR is activated inappropriately or excessively, leading to the experience of anxiety symptoms such as palpitations, sweating, and catastrophic thoughts.
Mechanisms involvedMechanisms involved
From the perspective of the SAR Theory, anxiety may be the result of the hyperactivation of neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine and dopamine, which are involved in the regulation of the SAR. These neurotransmitters can trigger fight or flight responses that are disproportionate to the perceived threat, thus generating the experience of anxiety.
Clinical implications
This theory has important implications in the treatment of anxiety disorders, as it suggests that regulating RAS activation may be key to reducing anxiety symptoms in affected individuals. Therapeutic approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy and pharmacological therapy may be effective by modulating the activity of the SAR and the neurotransmitters associated with it.
Fight or flight response theory
Another biological theory relevant to the study of anxiety is the Fight or Flight Response Theory. This theory, proposed by Walter Cannon in 1915, postulates that anxiety is an adaptive response of the organism to situations of threat or danger, preparing it to face danger or flee from it.
Physiology of the fight response or flight
When a person is faced with a stressful or threatening situation, the sympathetic nervous system is activated, triggering a series of physiological responses such as increased heart rate, dilation of the pupils and release of stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline. These responses prepare the body to fight or flee, increasing the probability of survival in situations of imminent danger.
Dysregulation of the fight or flight response in anxiety
When the response of Fight or flight is activated chronically or disproportionately, as occurs in anxiety disorders, it can lead to experiencing symptoms such as hyperventilation, muscle tension and irritability. These symptoms reflect an exaggerated response of the body to a perceived threat, which does not correspond to the real level of danger in the environment.
Treatment based on the regulation of the fight or flight response
From the Fight or Flight Response Theory, it is suggested that the treatment of anxiety disorders should focus on the regulation of this physiological response. Relaxation techniques, such as diaphragmatic breathing and meditation, may be helpful in counteracting chronic activation of the sympathetic nervous system and reducing anxiety symptoms.
Neurotransmitter imbalance theory
The third biological theory of anxiety that we will explore is the Neurotransmitter Imbalance Theory. This theory suggests that anxiety disorders may result from alterations in the balance of neurotransmitters in the central nervous system, especially those related to mood regulation and stress response.
Neurotransmitters involved
Among the neurotransmitters most studied in relation to anxiety are serotonin, dopamine and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). It has been observed that low levels of serotonin are associated with a greater risk of developing anxiety disorders, while an imbalance in dopamine can influence the perception of threat and the emotional response to stressful situations.
Pharmacological interventions
Based on the Neurotransmitter Imbalance Theory, many of the pharmacological treatments used for anxiety disorders seek to regulate the levels of neurotransmitters involved in the pathogenesis of anxiety. SSRI antidepressants (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) and anxiolytics that enhance GABA activity are examples of drugs that act on these neurotransmitters to reduce anxiety symptoms.
Complementary approaches
In addition to pharmacotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy and other psychotherapeutic interventions may also be beneficial in the treatment of anxiety disorders. These approaches seek not only to address the symptoms of anxiety, but also to modify the patterns of thinking and behavior that are contributing to the maintenance of the disorder.
In conclusion, biological theories of anxiety allow us to better understand the neurobiological bases of this emotion and the disorders that imply it. Reticular Activating System Theory, Fight or Flight Response Theory, and Neurotransmitter Imbalance Theory offer complementary approaches to understanding and addressing anxiety from a biological perspective. Through an integration of these different theoretical frameworks, mental health professionals can develop more effective strategies for the treatment of anxiety disorders and improve the quality of life of those affected.