You may just be predisposed to anxiety
Some people are just born anxious — and stay that way. According to a study by the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, “The findings indicate a brain mechanism that’s present early in life predisposes people to anxious temperament, and that it’s difficult for someone with this temperament to be calm because their brain is wired in a way that keeps them tense and anxious.” The study was conducted by observing the behaviors of adolescent rhesus monkeys and monitoring their brain activity. In both threatening and secure scenarios, the monkeys with anxious temperaments had more activity in a region of the brain that regulates emotion and controls anxious behavior.
Referring to this study, The Washington Post reported,* “It has long been known that children with an anxious temperament are at increased risk for developing anxiety disorders, depression and substance abuse. The findings indicate a brain mechanism that’s present early in life predisposes people to anxious temperament, and that it’s difficult for someone with this temperament to be calm because their brain is wired in a way that keeps them tense and anxious.”
The study was published July 2 in the online journal PLoS One.
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*The Washington Post, Anxiety, Shyness May Be Long-Lasting Traits, Friday, July 4th (HealthDay News)
