Neuroscience of Anxiety & the Parasympathetic Nervous System | Dr. Rami Nader

Anxiety is a common experience that can significantly affect a person's quality of life. It can manifest itself in various ways, including constant worry, physical symptoms, and feelings of helplessness. Fortunately, our bodies have a natural system that can help manage anxiety and regulate our stress response. This system is known as the parasympathetic nervous system. The parasympathetic nervous system works as a counterbalance to the fight or flight response, which is activated when we feel threatened. When our bodies are in this state, we experience a surge of adrenaline that prepares us to either fight or flee from danger. However, the parasympathetic nervous system helps us calm down and relax by slowing down our heart rate, lowering our blood pressure, and reducing our breathing rate. By activating this system, we can reduce our anxiety and promote a sense of calmness. In this video, we explore the science behind the parasympathetic nervous system and how it can help manage anxiety. We discuss the various brain regions involved in regulating the parasympathetic nervous system, including the amygdala and prefrontal cortex and the role of the vagus nerve. The video also explains the limitations of relying solely on the parasympathetic nervous system to manage anxiety and how cognitive behavioral therapy can be a more effective long-term solution to anxiety.
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[@jenngraham1812]

“think of the amygdala as the brain’s smoke detector” Love this 👍🏽💕 Love your word pictures.

[@ellieco9174]

I was having chronic panic for a month because of a problem with my housemate and her having her boyfriend round half the week every single week.. my amygdala was working every moment of every day because of this dread and worry about the boyfriend being there too regularly for me. But finally I gave my lodger 3 weeks to move out, and I instantly felt the anxiety lift. The next day, I had a worry thought about my housemate that would usually instigate and maintain the panic attacks that last the whole day.. I had the worry thought, I felt my heartbeat fast for a second, then I felt something kick in, that felt like "nooo there's nothing to panic about anymore, calm down..." and my heart rate returned to normal in another couple of seconds. That executive voice was my prefrontal cortex kicking in and gaining control over the stress response. I literally felt this happen and it was sooo cool. Once you help your subconscious mind stop worrying about something, the panic will automatically stop and the pns can get a look in. Amygdala goes quiet. This happened overnight for me!! Thanks god. I love your content, from UK

[@Sariine436]

The parasympathetic nervous system is the body's built-in system to reduce anxiety and regulate stress. The sympathetic nervous system is responsible for activating the fight-or-flight response. Prolonged activation of the sympathetic nervous system can have negative effects on the body. The parasympathetic nervous system acts as a brake to slow down the fight-or-flight response, promoting relaxation and restoring the body to a calm state. The vagus nerve plays a critical role in anxiety regulation by releasing acetylcholine, which slows down heart rate and promotes relaxation. The amygdala, part of the limbic system, is responsible for processing emotions and can trigger anxiety responses even in non-threatening situations. The prefrontal cortex can modulate the activity of the amygdala and regulate anxiety responses. Relaxation techniques like deep breathing and meditation provide temporary relief but are not long-term solutions for anxiety. Cognitive-behavioral therapy aims to address the underlying anxiety condition and change behavior and thought patterns. Cognitive-behavioral therapy helps activate the parasympathetic nervous system by reframing negative thoughts and behaviors.

[@ellieco9174]

That's so true. You have to deal with the underlying worry thoughts that cause the subconscious mind to allow the amygdala to go into overdrive. I find it very interesting how your thoughts can lead to panic disorder, or you can train yourself to not worry and catastrophize, and your body will naturally be in a state of relaxation-that you don't even have to work on conciously by doing all the exercises, breathing techniques etc

[@7friesen]

This video is much needed, not only for patients, but for therapists! Great job :)

[@DrRamiNader]

Thanks Chris!

[@Seasideboy1]

I am at my wits end with symptoms of anxiety!!! Seriously!!!

[@nickmasters8474]

I appreciate this. My therapist is currently focusing mostly on the meditation/breathing side of things, including affirmations and such. I'm seeing some benefit from that, but I think a greater emphasis on CBT is called for. In my situation (probably BFS - benign fasciculation syndrome), it is known that CBT combined with SSRI treatment can be quite effective. This video is helpful at explaining the limitations of the meditation approach. No doubt, the meditation has been helpful, but I am beginning to feel like it's not, and can't be, the complete solution. It's a helpful aid to have in the mix, though. Thanks - great video; great explanations.

[@vikasgupta1828]

Thanks

[@wayflex1]

One best video I listen to in a language that I could really understand thank you for taking the time to make this video helps me understand my anxiety a little better and feel some relief

[@DrRamiNader]

I'm glad you found the video helpful.

[@mollieanne]

This is so true about meditation, breathing and such. I think that works when going into anxiety, but does not help even in the short or even long run preventing it. I feel the only thing that works is getting my mind to think differently and stop thinking scary thoughts about the future. I have PTSD and it has been a struggle getting my mind to not overly think and worry. Therapist in my town just do not know how to help. So trying to do this on my own.

[@DrRamiNader]

I find that all too often, clinicians overly focus on relaxation training, but don't work at addressing the underlying causes of the anxiety.

[@roberthohenadel4384]

Gosh I wish you were where i live so I could come see you. You are great

[@DrRamiNader]

Thank you for your kind words. I'm glad you have found the videos helpful.

[@chelseacstx3461]

Another awesome video! Thank you so much. It is so hard to find a mental health professional in my area (Texas) that focuses on CBT. I'm so tired of being told to just breathe slowly and unclench my jaw. Your videos have been a tremendous help and I recommend them to anyone that will listen.

[@DrRamiNader]

Hi Chelsea, so glad you have found the videos helpful and thank you for supporting the channel!

[@candycandy9764]

@@DrRamiNader how do I stop tremors

[@Shivam98677]

This helped me today!!

[@DrRamiNader]

Really glad to hear that.

[@Shivam98677]

@@DrRamiNader Sir,, I've two further questions.. 1.Can a guy with PURE O have physical visible OCD themes in future? 2.How to manage this forever or keep this under control?? (As I am a student, So I practice ACT while studying and Keep my ERP mode activated else where.. with a sword in my hand to feel the anxiety and letting it go without engaging in compulsions and this is working for me..) Any suggestions??

[@tonnycaffi3363]

What if i don't have a vagus nerve? Which scan to know?

[@norvmec]

Great video! Would you say exposure therapy is a form of CBT you talk about? Even though this will activate the sympathetic nervous system more in the short term, this will in the long run lessen the impact it has on anxiety?

[@DrRamiNader]

Yes, exposure therapy is a form of CBT. And you're absolutely right, it contributes to more anxiety in the short-term, but leads to lasting benefit in the long term.

[@dfab2486]

This video makes me feel like my anxiety ISN’T my fault…. That perhaps it partially biological. Which just knowing that, lessons my anxiety. Thank you!!!

[@DrRamiNader]

Glad you found it helpful!

[@parodyplus5576]

Can you give me an example of a health symptom and thoughts or actions to be done for exposure therapy? I saw a person that was afraid of an object and the therapist just threw them in a room full of those objects. I understand the concept with things, not feelings. Thanks

[@DrRamiNader]

That sounds like something called flooding, which is not an effective form of exposure therapy.

[@lostinthathopelesslittlesc9961]

I'm curious.... I noticed that when I am faced by stressful situations because of a dysfunctional dynamic ie my dysfunctional family, I go into very high stress (amygdala) and then I try to "solve" the dynamics by thinking up "solutions" in my head, but it's all pointless because the family dynamics are so dysfunctional and beyond my control that there is no solution. Is this overthrowing my maladaptive parasympathetic response to my over stimulated amygdala? Because it doesn't really help I'm not at peace. @drraminader would really appreciate your feedback to contextualise what I experience with my family.

[@DrRamiNader]

In situations like you describe, it's often the situation and not the emotional response that's dysfunctional. So I encourage my clients that they need to change the situation, because that's what's pathological, not their emotional reactions.

[@lostinthathopelesslittlesc9961]

@@DrRamiNader Many thanks!!!

[@peterwu8471]

Seems this is what happened to me. After weeks of anxiety attacks and no sleep, I developed pain all over my body. Doctors can't find a problem that would cause this. So I've been in pain for many weeks. Muscles just don't recover completely. All the other strange symptoms seem to have gone away but the pain just hangs on there. Some say I need to accept it and live as if the pain isn't there. Does that seem reasonable?

[@COLOFIDUTI]

yes it may be possible. Look for Dr sarno's books and TMS and Mind body syndrome

[@leosumatra4342]

Good summary ❤

[@aminatyusuf776]

❤❤❤❤

[@parodyplus5576]

The vagus nerve goes into stomach area? Sorry to be descriptive but is that why diarrhea can cause anxiety , shaking, lightheaded? I get that. My husband passes out if he has diarrhea. No not after having it for awhile or a stomach bug or virus. Just in general. I can be fine watching tv, i start freaking out and seconds later...gurgle gurgle toilet time. Sorry!! Lol

[@stevenkovler5133]

My factors are that is am $50 K in debt ! That is what is killing me . And my wife just wants more and more money from me and I am in a divorce and am afraid to move forward with it . I am My own worst enemy !

[@CJ-sv9yt]

Declare bankruptcy it's cheaper to keep her. She will leave eventually.

[@tonnycaffi3363]

The amygdala is like Americans and pre fontal cortex is like native Indians

[@MegaSheric]

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[@user-he3op5pi6i]

Trump 2024

[@MegaSheric]

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