Causes of pathological anxiety
The exact cause of pathological anxiety is still unknown, although discoveries are being made. Some people develop pathological anxiety as a result of a traumatic experience, it has also been traced to genetics in some cases. Pathological anxiety may also be rooted in the amygdala hijack. The amygdala is a part of the limbic system in your brain and is where the emotions are given meaning and attached to association and response. An amygdala hijack [1] is a situation where the amygdala overpowers the frontal lobes when you get faced with possible danger or anxiety, resulting in an illogical or exaggerated stress reaction. This reaction may be similar to the “fight or flight” response. Pathological anxiety may also be traced to GABA receptors [2]. These structures help get the neurotransmitter GABA into the nerve cells and help reduce nerve impulses. GABA receptors are also involved in how individuals process anxiety and its symptoms. However, more research is needed to determine if they do cause pathological anxiety.