Wethink that certain changes in brain chemistry and activity are associated witheach anxiety disorder, although our knowledge about this is far from complete. Panic disorder seems associated with a lowered threshold for, or spontaneousfiring of, certain alarm systems in the brain, like having a burglar alarmthat goes off when the wind blows strongly, or even discharges randomly, insteadof only when someone is breaking into the house. Thereare several hallmarks of an anxiety disorder. One is extreme anxiety, fear ornervousness. This can be episodic, such as having panic attacks once a week, orchronic, such as having GAD symptoms on a daily basis.
Trouble falling asleep orstaying asleep is a common symptom of generalized anxiety disorder.
Anothermarker of an anxiety disorder is a desire to avoid situations where you used tobe comfortable, or where you need to go to function successfully. Certain other conditions mayproduce symptoms that look like an anxiety state. Depression may be associatedwith nervousness, sleeplessness and social avoidance. Medical conditions likehyperthyroidism can produce nervousness, trembling, sweating and rapid heartbeat. Excessive use of caffeine or other stimulants, or withdrawal fromtranquilizers or alcohol, can produce symptoms that mimic an anxiety disorder.