Anxiety

What is anxiety?

Anxiety is a natural emotional reaction that occurs in response to stress. Although anxiety is a normal part of human life, it can become chronic or excessive and interfere with daily activities and quality of life.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms of anxiety can be varied and often take the form of physical, emotional and behavioural signs:

Physical symptoms:

• Sensation of palpitations (palpitations)
• Sweating
• Tremor
• Shy breath
• Dry mouth
• Stomach problems such as nausea or diarrhoea
• Stomach upset

Emerging symptoms:

• Intense fear or anxiety
• Tension
• Nervousness
• Irritability

Behavioural symptoms:

• Avoidant behaviour
• Difficulty concentrating
• Sleep disturbances
• Panic attacks

What causes it?

The causes of anxiety can be many, including biological, psychological and environmental:

• Genetic predisposition: Anxiety disorders in the family may increase the risk.
• Chemical imbalance: Disturbance in levels of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine.
• Stress: Life situations, such as work pressures, family problems or financial worries.
• Traumatic experiences: Past trauma or abuse.
• Health problems: Chronic illness or other psychiatric disorders.

What are the consequences?

Untreated anxiety can have serious consequences on an individual's life:

• Mental health:Depression, low self-esteem.
• Physical health: Aggravation of chronic illnesses such as heart disease or stomach ulcers.
• Social relationships: Deterioration of family, friends and work relationships.
• Work: Reduced performance, frequent absenteeism, unemployment.

What is your medical treatment?

The treatment of anxiety can take several forms, often used in combination:

• Pharmacological treatment:Anti-depressants, anti-anxiety drugs, beta-blockers.
• Psychotherapy: Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), psychodynamic therapy, dialectical behavioural therapy (DBT).
• Habitual changes: Regular exercise, healthy diet, adequate sleep.
• Relaxation techniques: Meditation, yoga, breathing exercises.

How does tVNS help reduce anxiety?

Transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation (tVNS) is a relatively new treatment method that helps reduce anxiety by electrically stimulating the vagus nerve. The vagus nerve is a major nerve of the parasympathetic nervous system that plays a role in regulating physiological responses to stress.

Mechanism of action of tVNS:

• Neurotransmitters: Stimulation of the vagus nerve increases serotonin and norepinephrine levels in the brain, which improves mood and reduces anxiety.
• Activation of brain areas: Stimulation of the vagus nerve activates brain areas responsible for regulating mood and anxiety, such as the prefrontal cortex and amygdala.

Reducing inflammation: tVNS reduces inflammatory responses that have been linked to anxiety.

TVNS is non-invasive and generally well tolerated, with no or minimal side effects (e.g. skin irritation)