Central Nervous System

Anxiety

Anxiety is a combination of emotions including fear, apprehension and worry. Researchers believe that anxiety is the body’s way of preparing for, avoiding and dealing with external threats. There may be cognitive, somatic, emotional and behavioral components, including expectation of danger, high blood pressure, increased heart rate, sweating, inhibited digestive and immune function, trembling and a sense of panic, nausea and chills. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, anxiety disorders affect about 40 million Americans.