The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #86830 Message #1617507
Posted By: GUEST
30-Nov-05 - 04:48 PM
Thread Name: BS: Depression and Anxiety
Subject: RE: BS: Depression and Anxiety
In 1993, Donald Klein suggested that anxiety results from an overly sensitive "suffocation alarm" system. He argues that the brain monitors brain levels of Co2 as a way of monitoring the danger of asphyxiation. The physiological and behavioral responses to asphyxiation, hyperventilation, rapid heartbeat, a sense of extreme danger, and intense need to struggle and get away-strongly resemble the symptoms of panic disorder.
Therefore it is imperative that you first determine if you are not getting enough oxygen, either because of sleep apnea or if you are breathing poorly during the day or in a building that is oxygen deprived. You may also be sensitive to the byproducts of muscle exertion, sodium lactate, which would then create anxiety for you.
The noradrenergic system, the body's alarm arousal system clearly plays some role in anxiety disorders. This system may become dysregulated after chronic stress. Addressing stress in the ways suggested (with the exception of continued xanax useage,) are good recommendations.
As for your existential question, good luck with that...