For those of you who understand and support the idea of evolution, worry has probably been one of the key survival characteristics. Imagine what life must have been like as a hunter gatherer, living on the plains, surrounded by large animals that would prefer you not to eat them for lunch. In such circumstances, the fight or flight instinct is to the fore. More importantly, the early humans probably worried about where the next meal was coming from and all the different ways in which they might die. The ability to remember what has happened and use that as a basis for predicting the future is a key feature of genuine intelligence. The ability to plan for survival gives humans the edge over their environment. The other side of the coin is that the laid-back guys who found it difficult to get out of their caves in the morning had little to eat come the evening. Hunger sharpens the mind and encourages survival.

Translating this to the present, we have some new research out of the atmospherically named Black Dog Institute, one of Australia’s leading centers dealing with the spectrum of mental disorders. One of the persistent dilemmas for doctors is how to relate to patients who have had a heart attack. Obviously, any event affecting the heart comes as a severe shock to the individual. It shakes physical self-confidence. Not unnaturally, some people get depressed. Many worry about the risk of a second attack. Although there is a natural sympathy with heart attack survivors, most doctors want to encourage people to work their way back to a positive outlook. While avoiding the, "snap out of it" school of practical psychology, people have been encouraged not to worry. This latest study followed some five hundred patients, all of whom had a serious heart attack. Those who were diagnosed with general anxiety disorder (GAD) were monitored but given no specific therapy or counseling. These patients have had a better survival record than those who were naturally less worried.

It is always difficult to identify cause and effect in studies of this nature. But the research team speculates that the GAD encourages people to be more protective of their health. They worry more and so prove more diligent in following instructions on lifestyle changes. They want to survive. So far, this research stands on its own, but it has proved provocative in challenging the assumption that anxiety is a risk factor for a second heart attack. New studies are being set up in different countries around the world. It is not a new idea that, in the right conditions, a little anxiety is helpful. What surprising is that the more advanced GAD is also helpful. So, if you have recently had a heart attack, think twice before you buy xanax online. No matter what your doctors may be telling you, this study suggests you may live longer if you continue anxious. Only if the anxiety is growing more severe should you agree to use an antidepressant. Generic xanax is the cheapest and most effective remedy at this stage. But do not take it too long. Some residual anxiety may be a good thing.