New discoveries in U. Health study find brain mechanism that potentially causes anxiety

in Utah have reported having symptoms of anxiety and/or depression — a figure that has only climbed in recent years. But a study conducted by University of Utah Health scientists may be one of the first steps toward understanding the root causes of anxiety and anxiety-related conditions, including obsessive-compulsive disorder.

By using laser exposure to open light-sensitive channels and cause an influx of ions into the microglia, switching the laser on and off allowed them to switch on and off the anxiety, according to Capecchi.When lighting up the microglia in different areas in the brain, the mice would demonstrate anxiety-related behaviors, such as grooming themselves, freezing or generally increased anxiety. When switching off the laser, the behaviors immediately stopped.

Capecchi added how the imbalance between two different types of microglia also contributes to anxiety. As both types remain balanced, he said, the anxiety and pathological grooming would be manageable; it's only when they're imbalanced that the pathological behavior dominates.

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