Research on the neural circuits and treatment of anxiety

Abstract

Anxiety disorders are widely recognized as one of the most widespread mental health conditions worldwide, which can have detrimental impacts on individuals, their families, and the broader communities they belong to. A clearer knowledge of the brain neural circuits linked to anxiety will be beneficial for early detection of at-risk individuals and the ability to take preventative interventions. Today, more specialized and individualized therapies for anxiety disorders have been developed as a result of neuroscientific research. The neural circuitry involves key brain regions like the amygdala, prefrontal cortex (PFC), anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST), and hippocampus, unraveling complex interactions contributing to anxiety pathogenesis. Treatment modalities are categorized as medicine and non-medicine approaches. This paper emphasizes the necessity for ongoing research to optimize therapeutic approaches and advocates combining pharmacological and non-medicine interventions for comprehensive anxiety disorder management, ultimately improving the well-being of affected individuals worldwide.