Core Biology Anxiety refers to a deeply rooted, primal state of physiological hyperarousal and apprehension that stems directly from fundamental disruptions in the body’s core homeostatic systems, rather than solely from psychological stressors. This form of anxiety is often refractory to traditional psychological interventions because its origin lies in verifiable somatic imbalances, such as chronic blood sugar dysregulation, mitochondrial dysfunction, or severe neuroendocrine instability. It represents the body’s intrinsic alarm system being triggered by an internal threat to survival or stability. The clinical presentation is typically marked by intense physical symptoms alongside the mental distress.
Origin
This concept is derived from the integration of endocrinology, metabolism, and psychoneuroimmunology, moving beyond the purely psychological model of anxiety. The ‘Core Biology’ component emphasizes the foundational, systemic nature of the trigger, linking the emotional state directly to physiological integrity. It acknowledges that the brain is constantly monitoring the internal environment, and distress signals from peripheral organs, like the gut or adrenal glands, are interpreted as an existential threat, manifesting as anxiety.
Mechanism
The mechanism is often driven by metabolic and hormonal dysregulation that directly impacts the central nervous system. For example, hypoglycemia or chronic insulin resistance can trigger a stress response, causing the adrenal glands to release cortisol and epinephrine, which the brain perceives as anxiety. Furthermore, systemic inflammation can activate the vagus nerve and release pro-inflammatory cytokines that cross the blood-brain barrier, directly altering neurotransmitter balance and amygdala excitability. This internal physiological instability creates a perpetual state of readiness that the mind translates into anxiety.
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