An approach to the prevention of anxiety-related disorders based on evolutionary medicine

Anxiety-related disorders are among the more common ailments of modern societies, Presumably, their prevalence is partly due to environmental factors, which suggests that anxiety may be one of the health problems that are aggravated by discords (adverse mismatches) between the present way of life and what our genes are adapted to. Consequently, it may be possible to find preventive measures by using the perspective of evolutionary medicine. I shall argue that the prevalence of anxiety-related problems reflects that the time circuitry and endocrine activity associated with the fear function have developed beyond normal. Moreover, that this expansion is due to excessive or abnormal triggering, particularly at an early age. Possible discords that may be responsible. such as present child care practices. will be discussed. (c) 2004 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.