Studies have found a correlation between higher intelligence and anxiety. This comes at a time where the call for anxiety treatment for young adults is greater than ever. Researchers believe these two traits, intelligence and anxiety, could have evolved to be beneficial to each other–but for some, it goes wrong.
How anxiety and intelligence could help one another
Published in the journal Frontiers in Evolutionary Neuroscience, the study showed that by being able to better predict things that way go wrong, humans could keep out of danger more capably. This requires a higher level of intelligence and a higher level of anxiety, though.
The leader of the study, Professor Jeremy Coplan, explained:
“While excessive worry is generally seen as a negative trait and high intelligence as a positive one, worry may cause our species to avoid dangerous situations, regardless of how remote a possibility they may be. In essence, worry may make people ‘take no chances,’ and such people may have higher survival rates.”
This study reveals insight into why our capability for anxiety and worry developed in the first place: survival.
The thing is, we’re not living in a world–for the most part–that requires a higher level of anxiety to make sure we survive. This could be the reason so many suffer from anxiety today and why anxiety treatment for young adults is needed at such a high rate.
In the study, they found that higher levels of intelligence went right along with higher rates of anxiety. It’s clear that we need to strive to bring more coping mechanisms for stress into our educational system.
There is a stark difference between self-preservation and an anxiety disorder.
When to seek out anxiety treatment for young adults
If you believe your son is struggling with a mental health issue, it’s critical to reach out to a professional. It’s not embarrassing to look for anxiety treatment for young adults–it’s simply putting health first. If you had a disease, you wouldn’t think twice about going to the doctor. That’s how it should be for mental health. Don’t hesitate to seek out help, an untreated issue often only worsens with time.
Foundations Asheville is here for your son
Foundations Asheville is a young adult transition community located in the mountains of North Carolina. The program serves young men ages 18-24, who seek to acquire the tools necessary for successful transition from adolescence to adulthood; and aspire to secure meaning, direction, relationships, and self-reliance in their lives.
Foundations Asheville partners with its clients to create a full and rewarding life through an individualized combination of education, vocation training, community service, healthy lifestyle skills, relationship building, and participation in a genuine community of peers.
For more information about how our anxiety treatment for young adults at Foundations Asheville can help your son, call us today at 828-817-9520.
The Foundations Team” profile “We work tirelessly to empower individuals with the essential skills and knowledge to thrive in their personal and professional lives. To contact our admissions team, call (877) 318-7273
