Thank you Alison. That is definately a lot of information. It just bothers me a lot when they say that anxiety is caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain or something. It doesn't make me feel normal. and it does not make me feel in control. I have been so bad at school lately....i cannot even sit in my class for 3 hours without feeling anxious. Its horrible. I feel like i took 20 steps back. I was doing so good before and now I feel like i'm starting all over again. Thanks for your help!

This too might be helpful: Over the course of the last three decades much research into the origins of emotional distress and disturbances have led researchers to embrace chemical imbalance as the leading cause. Though the exact mechanisms linking chemical imbalances and common disorders like anxiety, depression and ADHD are not completely understood, clinical studies and medical observations have been able to identify a number of chemical inconsistencies that occur in individuals who report experiencing symptoms related to these disorders. Common chemical imbalances related to anxiety and depression related disorders that have been observed in clinical practice include: Reduced availability of neurotransmitters like Serotonin, Dopamine, Norepinephrine, GABA and acetylcholine. Increased levels of toxic neurochemicals such as Homocysteine Lower levels of serum Magnesium, Zinc or Potassium Unhealthy, or deficient levels of essential vitamins like B6, B9, B12 and Vitamin-C Undersupply of key cofactors like amino acids that are used to help transport neurotransmitter precursors into the blood-brain barrier. Increased cortisol stress hormone levels What causes chemical imbalance? After researching the causes of a chemical imbalance online I came to the conclusion that no one, not even doctors, scientists or clinical researchers, knows what exactly causes a chemical imbalance. In fact, it was virtually impossible to come up with a single source that could provide conclusive evidence. If you would ask a medical professional the reasons and causes for anxiety or depression, their answer would most likely be A chemical imbalance As a result, the first impulse for most medical professionals and patients alike is to prescribe an SSRI, MAOI or similar chemical balancer to treat the condition. But in the majority of cases, the most important question has not yet been addressed: Whats causing the chemical imbalance? Over the years, researchers have noted a handful of possible underlying reasons for a chemical imbalance, from genetic factors to irregular brain development. The most promising (and comforting might I add) is the theory that chemical imbalance actually stems from our own thoughts and actions. Thoughts, behaviors and c

I was able to find this: What causes anxiety? There is no one cause for anxiety; it is likely that many factors contribute to a persons chances of developing anxiety. Scientists have broken down the potential causes into three groups, genetics and early learning, brain biochemistry, and the fight or flight mechanism. Brain Biochemistry - Chemical Imbalance Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers in the brain that regulate a persons thoughts and feelings. Sometimes there is a problem with the way the brains messages are being sent due to a chemical imbalance. Two of the primary neurotransmitters that affect a persons feelings are serotonin and dopamine. When there is an imbalance of these chemicals, a person can feel depressed or anxious. Genetics and Early Learning Anxiety disorders tend to run in families, so if a persons mom, dad, or other close relative has anxiety, they have a higher chance of developing anxiety themselves. Growing up in a family where fear and anxiety are constantly shown to children by role models can teach them to be anxious as well. In addition, if a child grows up in an abusive home, he or she may learn to always expect the worse. Research also shows a genetic predisposition for a chemical imbalance in people with anxiety. Since the structure of the brain and its processes are inherited, this is yet another reason why anxiety can run in families. Changing the way we think can mean attempting to undo years of thought patterns. Some of these thought patterns may be negative and automatic. Learn how Cognitive Behavior Therapy can help Fight or Flight Mechanism When a person senses danger, the body prepares itself to either fight (defend itself) or flee (run away from the situation). The bodys fight or flight mechanism causes the heart rate to increase, the eyes to dilate, and the body to prepare itself for a dangerous situation. These responses allow a person to protect him/herself. Even though these effects are intended to be a good thing, sometimes the body misunderstands a situation and believes that there is danger when in reality there is not (taking a test, giving a speech, etc). There is a part of the brain called the amygdala that triggers the fight or flight response. This part of the brain is trained

Hi Angel, good question...I have wondered the same thing many times. I do know that anxiety can be genetic, but does that equate to a chemical imbalance, I don't know. I understand how you feel, it's like this power greater than you sometimes, an unstoppable force, no matter how hard you try! We all have our good days and bad. I hope your trying phase passes by quickly. I have found that that when all else fails, keeping yourself busy can help. Take care :)

Hi everyone. I am having a hard time with something. I just want to know if anxiety/panic is a "chemical imbalance" in the person (as i have read and heard sometimes), or if its just a "self-created' fear. The reason being is, I am having a really hard time feeling better. And i try and try to think positive and i try to control this anxiety. But i really cannot seem to at certain times when it gets bad. So, i was thinking to myself that this must be somethign BEYOND my control....such as a chemical imbalance. Is this what it is? Or is it just all pyschological? plz help...its making me so frustrated