The noradrenaline pathways in generalised anxiety disorder

In generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) there is increased noradrenaline transmission from both the locus coeruleus and the caudal raphe nuclei. The locus coeruleus-noradrenaline system is associated with anxiety and may mediate the autonomic symptoms associated with stress such as increased heart rate, dilated pupils, tremour and sweating.

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References

Anxiolytics and sedative-hypnotics. In: Essential Psychopharmacology. Neuroscientific basis and practical applications. Stahl S. Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press, 1996: 167–215.