The Insula & Generalized Anxiety Disorder

As neuroscience progresses, the functioning of the human brain and its complex systems are more understood. A small brain region called the insula has been receiving some attention of late for its role in many systems including influence on the experience of anxiety. Its exact purpose is not completely known, but essentially it impacts feelings like guilt and embarrassment, is related to addictions like smoking, and responds to hunger. For people with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), there is often some underlying fear, guilt, embarrassment or shame related to worries, and some individuals also develop addictions and use other unhealthy behaviors as a way to cope. All of this in some relates to the insula, and hopefully future work can complete the picture of its role and how it may be used in treatment for disorders like GAD.