What is the Real Cause of Anxiety

The Causes of Anxiety

The exact causes of anxiety disorders are unknown. As reported by the American National Institute of Mental Health, the available data show that genetic and environmental causes (lifestyle, stress, nutrition) are at the origin of the disorder.

Genetic Factors. 

Anxiety tends to be familiar, as twin studies indicate the involvement of the RBFOX1 gene. In part, however, the problem can arise from living in contact with anxious people. The involvement of the amygdala is also known, a small structure deep in the brain that processes the threat and alerts the brain when there are signs of danger. It appears to play a role in anxiety disorders involving fear of specific things, such as cats, bees or drowning.

Environment. 

An anxiety disorder can be triggered by environmental stresses, such as the breakdown of an important relationship or exposure to a disaster in which life is put at risk. When the response to stress is inadequate or you are overwhelmed by events such as public speaking, an anxiety disorder may arise.

Health problems. 

There are diseases that can induce anxiety. They include: heart disease, such as heart failure and cardiac arrhythmias; hormonal (endocrine) diseases, such as an overactive adrenal gland (hyperadrenocorticocism), overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) or a tumor that secretes hormones, called pheochromocytoma; lung (respiratory) diseases, such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Fever can also cause anxiety. Anxiety disorders often occur in conjunction with other mental health conditions, such as substance abuse and depression. Many people try to relieve anxiety symptoms by taking alcohol or other drugs. Substances such as alcohol, nicotine, caffeine and other drugs can give a very brief improvement in symptoms, but in reality they worsen anxiety disorder.

Biological Factors. 

According to some studies on the brain, anxiety would be caused by alterations in the amount produced by some neurotransmitters, such as an excessive production of norepinephrine (the stress hormone) and a reduced production of serotonin (which regulates well-being) and GABA (which is an inhibitory neurotransmitter).

Drugs. 

They can cause anxiety: corticosteroids, cocaine, amphetamines and even caffeine. Abstinence from alcohol or sedatives, such as benzodiazepines (used for anxiety disorders), can induce anxiety and other symptoms, such as insomnia and restlessness.

Trauma.

 Being the victim of trauma (sexual abuse or having lived in war scenarios), being close to someone who is the victim of a traumatic experience or witnessing something traumatic, are all conditions that can promote anxiety. It is no coincidence that the hippocampus, a region of the brain that is involved in memorizing memories of threatening events, is smaller in individuals who have suffered abuse or trauma.

Gender.

 Females are most likely to have anxiety disorder than males.