Possible Causes of Anxiety Disorder

There are many situations and circumstances that can lead to an anxiety disorder. In fact, most psychoanalysts think that both environmental and physical factors work together to generate an anxiety disorder.

Theory #1

For instance, certain professionals think that anxiety arises out of issues in the subconscious that are related to past bad experiences. Those events can trigger the sufferer to become anxious in circumstances that are normally free from fear. Some other professionals believe that anxiety disorders are the result of a biochemical imbalance that can be corrected with medicine or eating certain foods.

Theory #2

Still other professionals think that anxiety is a reaction that is learned and thus, can be unlearned if the sufferer gets therapy and makes certain alterations to his or her life. More recently, studies have been conducted in genetics to see if certain people are born with a certain gene that makes them more prone to anxiety disorders. No matter what the professionals believe, anxiety can greatly interfere with the quality of life of its sufferers, which number in the millions.

Theory #3

Studies indicate that much of who people are is passed down from their parents. This might be true for anxiety as well. There is some indication that anxiety is genetically based. Some particular studies that have been performed on identical twins and have shown that if one of the twins gets an anxiety disorder, the odds are increased that the other twin will get one as well.

Theory #4

Certain other studies have illustrated that parents dealing with anxiety are more likely to have kids who will have to deal with it too. This could possibly be genetic or behavioral.

In mice, there has been a connection made between a particular gene and fearful reactions; however, these studies are nowhere close to being infallible. It is possible that even if a gene is related to the development of anxiety, some experts think that genetics is not the only factor responsible for anxiety. Rather, the cause is attributed to both genetics and personal experiences.

Theory #5

Much of the debate is centered on past experiences as being the essential component of the development of anxiety disorders. For instance, if a kid is raised in a house that is full of stress, will he or she be more apt to get an anxiety disorder? Experts think that anxiety is related to abuse, poverty, stress, violence, and other negative experiences.

For instance, people who are dealing with PTSD or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. This occurs when someone is put into circumstances that cause them to be extremely fearful, stressed, or helpless.

Theory #6

There is evidence that past personal experiences are not the only indication that anxiety will develop. These professionals think that a person’s personality is an essential factor in how that person copes with issues that arise in his or her life. The reason this theory is popular is because it is predicated on the concept that people who do not know how to cope with these situations are more apt to get an anxiety disorder than people who have a variety of coping skills. People who do not know how to cope well end up placing more stress on themselves as they try to cope. If these stressors are not addressed with a physician or through therapy, anxiety will be the end result.

Theory #7

Another cause of anxiety disorders is the theory that brain chemistry is responsible. For the most part, this cause is the most accepted as to the reason why anxiety arises. However, it is also hotly contested. The reason this cause has been validated is because the symptoms can be alleviated with prescription drugs.

People who are dealing with depression and anxiety are believed to have neurotransmitters that are abnormal. The two chemicals that are responsible for the imbalance are serotonin and noradrenaline. Serotonin is constantly created, released, and absorbed by the brain. If the levels of serotonin are deficient, the brain will send the wrong message to nerve cells, which will lead to anxiety and depression.

If a prescription drug is taken, the chemicals are put into balance, which takes away the symptoms of depression and anxiety. This theory is contested primarily because some people believe that sufferers can be cured without the drugs.

No matter which theory is advanced, they are all feasible causes of anxiety disorders. It is certain that as new technology is created, more information will be learned about anxiety disorders, and new and improved treatments will be developed.