Anxiety disorders encompass a range of mental health conditions that cause excessive fear, worry, and nervousness. Common symptoms include restlessness, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and physical symptoms like rapid heartbeat. Anxiety affects around 18% of the adult population in North America, totaling over 40 million people. The market for anxiety treatments, including medications and therapy, is valued at $4 billion globally. Existing treatments include SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) and benzodiazepines. Developing more effective and targeted treatments for anxiety offers an attractive opportunity for companies, given the high prevalence and demand for improved therapeutic options.
Zebrafish Model: Thigmotaxis assay to identify anxiolytics and anxiogenics in 3 dpf larvae