The Impact of Hormones on Generalized Anxiety and Panic Disorders in Adolescents and Young Adults: A Review

Abstract

This review explores the role of hormones in the development and progression of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) and panic disorder (PD) among adolescents and young adults. It highlights how hormonal variations, particularly in sex hormones like estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone, as well as stress hormones, for example, cortisol, can influence brain regions involved in emotional regulation, for example, the amygdala and prefrontal cortex. The review examines gender differences, clarifying that females are more susceptible to anxiety disorders, potentially as a result of cyclical hormonal changes. Additionally, it discusses how puberty, a critical developmental stage, marks a period of increased vulnerability due to major hormonal shifts. Understanding these hormonal impacts may improve diagnosis, prevention, and treatment strategies for GAD and PD in young people. Also, this review explains the definition and types of anxiety disorders and Prevalence in Adolescents and Young Adults. The review also discussed the symptoms and signs of generalized anxiety disorder and panic disorder, and the optimal treatment for recovery.