What Are the Causes of Anxiety Disorder?

It's normal to worry about stressful situations such as taking a test or performing well at work. When worry takes over your life, however, you could be suffering from an anxiety disorder. According to depression-guide.com, roughly 20 million Americans suffer from anxiety disorders. That's about one out of nine people. It's uncertain why people have anxiety problems. Usually, it's a complex problem caused by a combination of reasons, involving both physical and psychological factors.

Identification

• Anxiety disorders compose a distinctive group of illnesses characterized by unreasonable anxieties, worries and fears. Each type of anxiety disorder has its unique features, but they all have the common symptom of abnormal fear and dread. General Anxiety Disorder or (GAD) is the most common type. Others include obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), panic disorder, specific phobias and social disorder (SAD). Although these disorders are serious illnesses, they can be treated.

Genetics

• Because studies have shown that people suffering from anxiety often have family members with the same disorder, it's believed anxiety may be inherited. For example, a MedicalNewsToday.com article cites how researchers, such as Finnish scientist Iiris Hovatta, found a specific gene that was connected to specific anxiety orders.

Brain Chemistry

• Anxiety disorders have been linked with abnormal levels of particular neurotransmitters of the brain. Special chemical messengers known as neurotransmitters help transmit information from one nerve cell to another one. When neurotransmitters are unbalanced, messages aren't able to get to the brain as they should. This causes a change in how the brain reacts to situations, leading to anxiety.

Environmental Factors

• Anxiety is considered to be a response to stressors in an environment when viewed from a psychological standpoint. Stressful and traumatic life events such as the death of a loved one, divorce or losing or changing jobs or schools can cause anxiety disorders. Insecurity about your environment can lead to anxiety disorders. Using addictive substances such as nicotine, caffeine, alcohol and drugs can intensify the anxiety, adding physical reasons, in addition to psychological factors for anxiety. Withdrawal from harmful substances can also cause anxiety.

Other Factors

• Isolation can cause anxiety. When you can't find an emotional outlet for your feelings, anxiety can grow worse, as when you stuff your feelings rather than get help from others. Other factors may include stress, childhood trauma and chronic insomnia.

Considerations

• If your doctor doesn't find a physical cause for your anxiety, find a good therapist experienced in treating anxiety problems. After working with you to find the root of the problem and the particular anxiety disorder, a therapist devises the best treatment plan.