ANXIETY AND MIND–BODY INTERACTION

Abstract

Anxiety disorders are among the most prevalent mental health conditions worldwide, characterized by excessive fear, persistent worry, and significant physiological arousal. Contemporary research conceptualizes anxiety not merely as a psychological disturbance but as a complex mind–body interaction, involving dynamic and bidirectional communication between neural, endocrine, and physiological systems. This chapter explores the relationship between anxiety and mind–body interaction by examining neurobiological mechanisms such as the autonomic nervous system and hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis, along with cognitive and emotional processes. Understanding anxiety within a mind–body framework is essential for improving clinical outcomes, guiding rehabilitation, and promoting comprehensive healthcare approaches.