Is there a cellular explanation for anxiety disorders?

Anxiety disorders can cause complications for patients in terms of their general health, happiness, and everyday life.

Whether a person experiences social phobia or post-traumatic stress disorder, it is important that the condition is properly treated and understanding the reasons behind the conditions is integral to this.

According to researchers at the University of Chicago cellular metabolism is linked to the development of anxiety, with the gene that encodes Glyoxylase 1 (GLO1) responsible for increased anxiety.

However, the reason behind this association currently remains unclear and more research is required.

GLO1 is normally used to degrade cytotoxic by-products of glycoysis - something not currently associated with anxiety.

However, researchers questioned what neurological effect GLO1 has and found it reduced anxious behaviour when inhibited in a mouse model.

If confirmed in larger studies and clinical trials, GLO1 could be used as a therapeutic way to address anxiety in humans and other central nervous system disorders, including autism.

Read about support and personalised care at Barchester care homes for anyone with mental health concerns.