A new study published in PLOS Genetics shows that anxiety has an unexpected effect on cell mitochondria. Researchers studied mice that developed anxiety and depression symptoms after being exposed to high levels of stress. They tracked changes in protein production and gene activity in a region of the brain that is key for stress response. The found changes in the mitochondria in the brain cells of the stressed mice, compared to the mice that were not stressed. The researchers also collected blood samples from patients with panic disorder and noted similar findings. The blood tests showed differences in mitochondrial pathways, leading researchers to conclude that cellular energy metabolism may change in response to stress.
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The study’s author, Iiris Hovatta, explained, “Very little is known about how chronic stress may affect cellular energy metabolism and thereby influence anxiety symptoms. The underlying mechanisms may offer a key to new targets for therapeutic interventions of stress-related diseases."
Additional studies to help pinpoint what causes the changes may be a key step in developing better therapies and treatments for stress-related diseases.
Anxiety disorders can be debilitating and in some cases require professional guidance, counseling and treatment. Two conventional treatments of anxiety disorders that have proven to be effective for many are psychotherapy and behavioral therapy. Behavioral therapy is defined as targeting the issue through breathing exercises and small increments of exposure to what is causing your anxiety. Cognitive behavioral therapy on the other hand, is designed to help you deal more effectively with situations that fill you with anxiety.
Exercise, dietary changes and practices like the Emotional Freedom Technique can also help you better cope with anxiety. Do seek professional help if you need it, but also don't underestimate your own ability to make positive, oftentimes life-changing, decisions to help you take back control of your health.