Final answer:
Anxiety is associated with neurotransmitters like norepinephrine, serotonin, and GABA, which are involved in the 'fight or flight' response, mood regulation, and inhibition, respectively. Avoidance behaviors relate to dopamine, linked with the brain's reward system. Therapeutic interventions for anxiety may target these neurotransmitters.
Step-by-step explanation:
Neurotransmitters (NTS) play a significant role in the regulation of emotions, including states of anxiety and behaviors associated with avoidance. Anxious states are often associated with the neurotransmitter norepinephrine (NE), which is linked to the body's 'fight or flight' response, as well as serotonin (5-HT), which helps regulate mood, and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which is the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain. Avoidance behaviors may involve the neurotransmitter dopamine (DA), which is associated with the brain's reward pathway and motivation.
Specific patterns of neurotransmitter activity associated with anxiety include alterations in NE activity within the locus coeruleus, increased release of corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF), and dysregulation of the HPA axis contributing to sustained stress responses. Potential therapeutic interventions for anxiety might target these neurotransmitter systems to alleviate symptoms.