Anxiety is a physiological state characterized by cognitive, somatic,
emotional, and behavioral components (Seligman, Walker & Rosenhan,
2001). These components combine to create the feelings that we typically
recognize as fear, apprehension, or worry. Anxiety is often accompanied
by physical sensations such as heart palpitations, nausea, chest pain,
shortness of breath, or headache.
The cognitive component entails expectation of a diffuse and uncertain
danger. Somatically the body prepares the organism to deal with threat
(known as an emergency reaction): blood pressure and heart rate are
increased, sweating is increased, bloodflow to the major muscle groups
is increased, and immune and digestive system functions are inhibited.
Externally, somatic signs of anxiety may include pale skin, sweating,
trembling, and pupillary dilation. Emotionally, anxiety causes a sense
of dread or panic and physically causes nausea, and chills.
Behaviorally, both voluntary and involuntary behaviors may arise
directed at escaping or avoiding the source of anxiety and often
maladaptive, being most extreme in anxiety disorders. However, anxiety
is not always pathological or maladaptive: it is a common emotion along
with fear, anger, sadness, and happiness, and it has a very important
function in relation to survival.
Neural circuitry involving the amygdala and hippocampus is thought to
underlie anxiety (Rosen & Schulkin, 1998). When confronted with
unpleasant and potentially harmful stimuli such as foul odors or tastes,
PET-scans show increased bloodflow in the amygdala (Zald & Pardo, 1997;
Zald, Hagen & Pardo, 2002). In these studies, the participants also
reported moderate anxiety. This might indicate that anxiety is a
protective mechanism designed to prevent the organism from engaging in
potentially harmful behaviors.
Buspar (Buspirone Hydrochloride) is used for the management of anxiety
disorders or the short-term relief of the symptoms of anxiety. Buspar is
an agent that is not chemically or pharmacologically related to the
benzodiazepines (e.g. Valium, Xanax) barbituates, or other sedatives.
Take Buspar with food or milk if stomach upset occurs. It is important
to take Buspar exactly as prescribed. Do not increase your dose of
Buspar or take more often than prescribed. Symptoms will begin to
improve within 7 to 10 days of starting Buspar. However, it may take 3
to 4 weeks for the full benefit of Buspar to be apparent.
|
