Anxiety

Last Updated on Tuesday, 02 March 2010 15:32

Anxiety Causes and Risk Factors

The exact causes behind anxiety disorders remain unclear, though several factors have been implicated in their development.

Heredity

Anxiety disorders tend to run in families. Stressful life experiences may predispose the genetically prone individual to develop a chronic anxiety state.

Biochemical Factors

Medications that modify levels of chemicals in the brain have been shown to provide symptomatic relief in patients with anxiety disorders. Hence, irregular levels of naturally occurring chemicals in the brain, called neurotransmitters, are believed to be at least partly responsible for the onset of anxiety states.

Personality

Certain personality traits may contribute to the development of an anxiety disorder. People with a pessimistic perspective of life, poor self-esteem, and inadequate coping skills may be more prone. Overly sensitive and emotional personalities may also be more vulnerable to anxiety.

Life experiences

The development of anxiety disorders may be influenced greatly by a person’s environment. Anxiety may also be an outcome of abusive or developmental trauma early in life. Experiencing hardships such as poverty, familial conflict, and parental separation, without a sound support system, may also contribute to this disorder.

Sometimes, a combination of stressful life situations may precipitate anxiety. For instance the stress of missing work and losing pay, while suffering from a serious illness, may result in generalized anxiety disorder