To conclude, if anxiety is neurodivergent or not, you need to go through the following details about neurodivergent and anxiety.
What is Neurodivergent?
Neurodivergent is a disorder related to the central and peripheral nervous system that causes a permanent inability to one’s learning capability or abnormal reactions to some conditions.
Some of the examples of this disorder are:
Down Syndrome
Down Syndrome is a genetic mutation error in which an individual has an extra chromosome 21 and a total number of chromosomes is 47 instead of 46.
This affects intellectual disability and timely development issues and might be delayed.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Autism Spectrum Disorder is a neurological disorder caused by differences in brain development. People with this disorder have issues in social communication and interaction with other people. This may also affect the learning and focus of disabilities in a person.
Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
ADHD is the most common neurological disorder of childhood that carries to adulthood. Children with ADHD show issues in attention and hyperactivity like talking more or making physical movements that are not required for the moment.
Here are some more examples of neurodivergent disorders:
- Dyscalculia (difficulty with math).
- Dysgraphia (difficulty with writing).
- Dyslexia (difficulty with reading).
- Dyspraxia (difficulty with coordination).
Neurodivergent disorders cannot be cured completely and can only be managed through medications and therapies.
What is Anxiety?
Anxiety is a mental disorder caused by the temporary imbalance of neurotransmitters in the brain. Anxiety causes some physical disorders in the body like excessive nervousness, shortness of breath, and increased heart rate. However, these symptoms are temporary and may go away after taking the medication.
Physical Symptoms of Anxiety:
- Increased or decreased heart rate
- Excessive Sweating
- Palpitations
- Chest Heaviness
- Trembling
- Excessive Nervousness
- Restlessness
- Upset Stomach
- Headaches
- Feelings of fear and panic
- Weakness and fatigue
- Issues in sleeping
There are different types of anxiety disorders:
General Anxiety Disorder
General Anxiety Disorder is a kind of consistent and excessive worry that interferes with daily routine.
Panic Disorder
This is a kind of anxiety or panic attack that grows rapidly within a few minutes with multiple symptoms like rapid heart rate, excessive nervousness, and difficulty breathing.
Phobia
Phobia is a mental disorder in which people develop a fear of something or activity generally which is not harmful.
Agoraphobia
It is a kind of fear of being in situations where escape is difficult or help could not be available in such situations.
Social Anxiety
This is a type of anxiety disorder in which people develop a fear of going social and fear that people will humiliate and insult them.
Separation Anxiety
This is a fear of getting separated from loved ones. A person with separation anxiety is always worried about losing the person with him/her closest to him/her.
Anxiety can be completely curable with the help of medications and therapies.
Now, let’s see what are the major differences between the two.
| Anxiety | Neurodivergent |
| Anxiety is caused by some temporary changes in neurotransmitters in the brain. | Neurodivergent is caused by the presence of additional chromosome 21 during mutation. |
| The changes in neurotransmitters in the brain onset some physical symptoms in the body due to which one can feel uncomfortable and restless | The presence of this additional chromosome causes some permanent disorders in an individual. |
| The symptoms may include shortness of breath, excessive sweating, increased heart rate, restlessness, trembling, and dizziness. | This may include disorders like autism spectrum disorder (ASD), ADHD, Epilepsy, Bipolar personality, and Down syndrome. |
| Anxiety is 100% curable with the help of proper medication and therapies. | This cannot be completely curable. It can only be managed with the help of medications and therapies. |
| Other natural treatments like exercise and yoga can also help treat anxiety. | Poor availability of natural remedies for neurodivergent persons. Moreover, a diet can play a role in improving autism symptoms. Certain foods should be added or increased in the diet |
Conclusion
Temporary changes in neurotransmitters in the brain cause anxiety, a mental disorder. On the other hand, neurodivergent is caused by the presence of an additional chromosome 21 during birth, leading to permanent changes in the body. Moreover, both have different symptoms and causes so, it can be concluded that anxiety is not a neurodivergent.