The reason I feel this discovery is so important is that the mechanism for counteracting fears has been found. If medications could be developed to mimic this mechanism, it would offer relief to Anxiety Disorder sufferers of all types, particularly those with PTSD.

The amygdala may be the seat of fear in the brain, but it is not the only cause of Anxiety Disorders. There are several other areas that are involved, such as the pre-frontal cortex. The imbalance of several brain chemicals such as serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine have been been implicated in many of the Anxiety Disorders. In addition, the pituitary and adrenal glands and the hypothalamus have been investigated for possible involvement, particularly in Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.

Of course, the investigation of Anxiety Disorders is in its infancy. It seems that every week or two some study finds a new cause for one Anxiety Disorder or another. And the search for genetic causes has just started, and is likely to turn up new discoveries.

Your comparison of Anxiety Disorders with cancer is intriguing. The current diagnostic “Bible,” the DSM-IV, was published in 1994. It is responsible for the current lumping together of so many mental disorders under the Anxiety Disorder umbrella. It is undergoing revision right now. I think when the new revision comes out we will find some surprising changes in the way Anxiety Disorders are categorized, diagnosed and treated. In particular, many of them will be linked with other mental and physical disorders.