Uncovering the Neurochemical Imbalance Behind Anxiety in Young Women

A recent study suggests that an imbalance in the levels of the brain chemicals glutamate and GABA in young women's brains may contribute to increased anxiety during adolescence. The research conducted by psychologists and neuroscientists at the University of Surrey found that an overactive braking system in the brain, particularly in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, could interfere with rational thinking during stressful situations, leading to heightened anxiety levels. Understanding these brain chemicals' fluctuations during important growth stages like adolescence could be crucial for identifying and addressing anxiety disorders, especially in young women.