Anxiety is a natural response to stress, it is a feeling of apprehension or fear of what’s to come. Typically, we all experience symptoms of anxiety at some point in life - however, if your anxiety is extreme, is interfering with your life and has persisted for longer then 6 months it will likely be considered (or diagnosed) as anxiety disorder.

 

There are different types of anxiety disorders, these include:

 

• Panic Disorder

• Phobia

• Social anxiety disorder

• Obsessive-compulsive disorder

• Separation anxiety disorder

• Illness anxiety disorder

• Post traumatic stress disorder

 

Signs and symptoms associated with anxiety include:

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• Increased heart rate

• Rapid breathing

• Restlessness and feeling on edge

• Constant feelings of worry

• Difficulty sleeping

• Struggling to relax and unwind

• Obsessive thought patterns 

• Panic attacks 

Anxiety can significantly impact an individual's quality of life and wellbeing. It may prevent an individual from doing what they enjoy and in extreme cases, prevent them completing everyday tasks such as crossing the road or leaving the house. 

There are usually a multitude of contributing factors that lead to the development of anxiety, which may need to be investigated. 

 

Naturopathic considerations and investigations

 

• Investigating nutrient and mineral deficiencies such as zinc, B6 and B12 - many nutrients are necessary to produce neurotransmitters (such as GABA Gamma-amino Butyric acid, our ‘relaxation’ hormone) 

• investigate other conditions and genetic variations which may impact neurotransmitter production, such as pyrroles and MTHFR

• Investigate gut function (including leaky gut and imbalance of microbes), pathogenic organisms may impact mood

• Assess histamine levels, high levels may contribute to anxiety (which could be caused by a multitude of factors such as diet and allergies, hormonal imbalance and gut/digestive function).

• Assess hormonal imbalances such as oestrogen, progesterone, thyroid and cortisol which directly impact mood 

• Consider possible heavy metal bioaccumulation. Metals such as copper a huge contributor to conditions like anxiety

• Consider stressors that may be contributing to anxiety such as exercise, inflammatory diets, work/life balance

• Investigating your home, workplace and possibly means of travel to assess for possible mould exposure, indoor air quality/pollutants (such as pesticides), electromagnetic fields and radiation and other toxicants.

• Assessing (and supporting) liver function and detoxification pathways