Anxiety
When worry takes over, what's happening in the brain, and the treatments that help.
From psychiatrists Dr. Tracey Skale and Dr. Paul Keck
Overview
TODO: Overview drafted from the Episode 6 show notes. Docs Tracey and Paul to review before launch.
Worry is a normal part of life. Anxiety disorders develop when worry takes over, and they are treatable.
What the Docs cover
- Generalized anxiety, social anxiety and phobias
- Panic disorder and agoraphobia
- The brain regions involved, including the amygdala, “the brain’s panic button”
- Breathing, grounding, CBT and lifestyle changes
- SSRIs and SNRIs, and limited use of benzodiazepines
Key terms, in plain language
- Amygdala
- A brain region involved in fear responses. The Docs call it "the brain's panic button."
- Panic disorder
- Recurrent, unexpected panic attacks and persistent worry about having more.
- Agoraphobia
- Fear and avoidance of places or situations where escape might feel difficult.
- CBT
- Cognitive behavioral therapy, a structured talk therapy with strong evidence for anxiety.
Questions about anxiety
When does worry become an anxiety disorder?
Episode 6 covers generalized anxiety, social anxiety, phobias, panic disorder and agoraphobia, and the brain regions involved, including the amygdala, "the brain's panic button."
What helps with anxiety?
The Docs discuss breathing and grounding techniques, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), lifestyle changes, SSRIs and SNRIs, and limited use of benzodiazepines.