A simplistic summary
Many professionals call it anxiety.
For me it isn’t.
Anxiety is the name given to the increased activation of the amygdala by glutamate and the consequences of this increase. The degree of anxiety is proportional to the level of hyperactivation. This hyperactivity can have consequences when it is not regulated by other neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and dopamine, for example.
In gifted individuals, there is diagnostic confusion regarding anxiety, since hyperactivation of the amygdala is common, but generally controlled by other neurotransmitters, with an increased intensity of the entire brain circuitry. It is as if the normal, in these cases, occurs with greater expression and function than in other conditions. When, in gifted individuals, this regulation is not adequate, we can speak of double exceptionality or, then, an anxiety problem.
In most gifted individuals, however, this does not characterize anxiety but rather a high standard of functioning.
How do you know if your anxiety is out of the ordinary? If it is harmful and difficult to control.
Better elaborated observations
Anxiety is a neurobiological phenomenon that involves several areas of the brain, with the amygdala being a central part of this process. The amygdala, responsible for processing emotions such as fear and anxiety, can have its activation increased by the excitatory neurotransmitter glutamate, which results in a constant state of alert. This state is regulated by neurotransmitters such as GABA, serotonin and dopamine, which act as a “brake” to prevent harmful hyperexcitation. When this balance is disrupted, the effects of anxiety become more evident.
In the context of gifted individuals, an important diagnostic issue arises: it is common for this hyperactivation of the amygdala to occur in a more intense way, accompanied by an intensification of emotional and sensory experiences. This often leads to confusion, since this hyperactivation is not always pathological. Many gifted individuals operate in a high-intensity pattern, which can be confused with anxiety, but in reality may reflect a high pattern of emotional and cognitive functioning.
The Complexity of Anxiety in Gifted Children
It is important to emphasize that anxiety is a complex process that goes beyond the simple hyperactivation of the amygdala. It involves a series of interactions between different areas of the brain, hormones and other neurotransmitters. Simplifying the process only to the activation of the amygdala by glutamate can lead to an incomplete view of what is happening. Other brain circuits and factors, such as genetic predisposition and lived experiences, also play a crucial role in the development of anxiety.
In the case of gifted individuals, although hyperactivation of the amygdala is common, it should not always be considered “normal.” The ability to regulate this hyperactivity varies significantly from person to person. Some gifted individuals are able to manage these intense emotions well, while others may present with detrimental symptoms that indicate the presence of an anxiety disorder. Doubly exceptionality, for example, is an important phenomenon to be aware of, in which giftedness is accompanied by disorders such as anxiety, which require specialized support.
Anxiety or High Standard of Functioning?
Another point that deserves attention is the differentiation between the symptoms of anxiety and the characteristics inherent to giftedness, such as perfectionism, emotional intensity and hypersensitivity. In many cases, these characteristics can be confused with anxiety, but it is essential to avoid generalizations. Not all gifted individuals suffer from anxiety disorders, just as not all perfectionists have pathological levels of worry. Each case must be analyzed individually by specialized professionals, who can assess whether there is actually a disorder or whether it is an elevated pattern of emotional functioning.
When to Seek Help?
It is essential to recognize the signs that anxiety is out of control. Symptoms such as excessive worry, intense fear, difficulty concentrating, sleep disturbances, and social isolation, when persistent and detrimental to well-being, may indicate a condition that requires professional attention. The presence of detrimental symptoms is an important indication that something more is happening beyond the normal characteristics of giftedness.
Dr. Fabiano de Abreu Agrela Rodrigues MRSB holds a post-PhD in Neuroscience and is an elected member of Sigma Xi – The Scientific Research Honor Society (more than 200 members of Sigma Xi have received the Nobel Prize), as well as being a member of the Society for Neuroscience in the United States, the Royal Society of Biology and The Royal Society of Medicine in the United Kingdom, the European Society of Human Genetics in Vienna, Austria, and the APA – American Philosophical Association in the United States. He holds a Master’s degree in Psychology and a Bachelor’s degree in History and Biology. He is also a Technologist in Anthropology and Philosophy, with several national and international degrees in Neuroscience and Neuropsychology. Dr. Fabiano is a member of prestigious high IQ societies, including Mensa International, Intertel, ISPE High IQ Society, Triple Nine Society, ISI-Society, and HELLIQ Society High IQ. He is the author of more than 300 scientific studies and 30 books. He is currently a visiting professor at PUCRS in Brazil, UNIFRANZ in Bolivia and Santander in Mexico. He also serves as Director of CPAH – Centro de Pesquisa e Análises Heráclito and is the creator of the GIP project, which estimates IQ through the analysis of genetic intelligence. Dr. Fabiano is also a registered journalist, having his name included in the book of records for achieving four records, one of which is for being the greatest creator of characters in the history of the press.