Biological Underpinnings of Anxiety and Well-Being

Abstract

While well-being has emerged as a crucial factor in determining resilience and health, anxiety disorders are among the most common mental health diseases in the world, significantly increasing disability and associated risk. In order to investigate the common and unique neurobiological underpinnings of anxiety and wellbeing across biomarkers, brain circuits, genetic factors, and intervention outcomes, this study synthesises research from after 2019. While dopaminergic reward pathways and striatal activity promote well-being through positive affect and resilience, anxiety is caused by amygdala hyperactivity, HPA axis instability, and decreased prefrontal control. Their orientations differ—vigilance versus reward engagement—despite having similar corticolimbic networks. Dopaminergic polymorphisms are linked to wellbeing, while serotonergic and Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) variations are linked to anxiety, according to genetic data. System plasticity is demonstrated by interventions like mindfulness, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs). The findings, which are backed by longitudinal, cross-cultural, and developmental studies, collectively imply that anxiety and well-being are related but separate, highlighting the potential of precision medicines that lessen threat sensitivity while increasing reward responsiveness.