Anxiety and Trauma-Related Disorders: Emerging Mechanisms and Therapies

This chapter synthesizes recent advances in the neuroscience and treatment of anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, and related conditions, drawing on findings from fear conditioning, threat appraisal, and interoception research. It reviews how neuroimaging and psychophysiological studies have clarified the neural circuitry underlying maladaptive fear responses, and how this knowledge is being translated into novel therapeutic approaches. The chapter also evaluates emerging pharmacological agents — including psychedelic-assisted therapies — alongside established psychological interventions.