What Causes Anxiety?

An anxiety disorder can interfere with your ability to enjoy life. Your body may experience a persistent “fight or flight” response, which can lead to panic attacks.

What are some common risk factors for anxiety?

Certain factors can increase your risk of developing anxiety. These include:

• Genetics – If a parent has this type of disorder, you’re more likely to have one too.
• Brain chemistry – Abnormal levels of certain neurotransmitters can lead to anxiety.
• Personality type – Type A personalities can be more likely to develop an anxiety disorder.
• Gender – Women are more likely to suffer from anxiety when compared to men.

What causes anxiety?

If you’re prone to anxiety, there are several factors that can cause it, including the following:

Environmental and external factors

• Events that cause trauma
• Stress in a personal relationship, such as marital difficulties, divorce, or other family issues
• Stress related to work, school, or finances
• A lack of oxygen in high-altitude areas

Medical factors

• Stress from a serious and/or chronic medical illness (including anemia, asthma, and heart conditions)
• Side effects from certain medications
• Symptoms of an illness
• A medical issue, such as emphysema, that causes a lack of oxygen

Substance use and abuse

• Intoxication from an illegal drug
• Alcohol dependence
• Withdrawal from an illegal drug or certain prescription drugs

How is anxiety treated?

• Self-treatment – including relaxation techniques, exercise, reducing caffeine consumption, monitoring medications that could contribute to anxiety and eating a healthy diet
• Counseling
• Medication

What is a panic attack, and what are its warning signs?

A panic attack is a form of anxiety that involves sudden feelings of terror that are out of proportion or unrelated to the situation. People who have panic attacks may feel as though they’re going crazy or having a heart attack.

These attacks usually last less than 10 minutes at a time, and they can be recurring. Panic attacks may have some of the following symptoms:

• Rapid heartbeat
• Feeling weak, faint, dizzy or sweaty
• Chest pain
• Difficulty breathing
• Chills or feeling sweaty

If you’re experiencing symptoms of anxiety, a diagnosis can be the first step toward receiving treatment. It can sometimes be treated medically and/or with psychological counseling. Underlying conditions that may be contributing to anxiety can also be treated.

To find out more about anxiety, make an appointment today with Complete Neurological Care. We offer the skills and technology necessary to diagnose and treat your specific neurological concerns.