Anxiogenic

Anxiogenic is an adjective used in psychology and pharmacology to describe something that increases anxiety or triggers anxiety-like responses. The term is formed from anxiety and the suffix -genic, meaning producing or generating. It is commonly used to distinguish agents, stimuli, or conditions that provoke anxiety from those that reduce it (anxiolytic).

Anxiogenic effects can be observed with certain drugs, environmental conditions, or social situations. Pharmacological anxiogenic agents include some stimulants and certain anxiogenic compounds used in research, such as FG-7142 and yohimbine, which increase behavioral and physiological indices of anxiety in animals and humans. In humans, high-dose caffeine, nicotine, and stimulants can provoke anxiety, palpitations, and restlessness. Mechanistically, anxiogenic stimuli often engage the amygdala and other limbic circuits, activate the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, and modulate noradrenergic, glutamatergic, and GABAergic signaling, leading to heightened autonomic arousal and worry. In experimental models, anxiety-like behavior can be quantified using tasks such as the elevated plus maze or open field test.

Clinically, the concept of anxiogenic exposure is relevant to diagnostic assessment and treatment planning; situations or interventions that provoke anxiety may be managed with gradual exposure or supportive strategies. In pharmacology and neuroscience research, anxiogenic properties are evaluated to understand anxiety disorders and to test potential anxiolytics. The term is used in contrast to anxiolytic, which refers to substances or conditions that reduce anxiety.