If you suffer from an anxiety disorder, you’re not alone. In fact, studies show generalized anxiety disorder affects more than 6 million American adults every day.
It’s important to note that there is a difference between feeling light anxiety about a life situation and feeling anxiety from an anxiety disorder. However, many people may not understand what causes their anxiety disorder to manifest.
Let’s discuss what defines an anxiety disorder and what causes these disorders to occur, so you can get a better understanding of the condition.
What Are Anxiety Disorders?
While it’s normal for everyone to experience anxiety to an extent, for some people, it’s debilitating. Anxiety disorders differ from normal anxiety in that they are characterized by intense, excessive, and persistent fear about daily situations and routines.
Oftentimes, patients with anxiety disorders suffer from regular panic attacks or anxiety attacks. This is not only uncomfortable but also cuts into a person’s ability to live their life happily.
Common symptoms of anxiety disorders like generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and agoraphobia include:
- Feeling intense nervousness and restlessness
- Feeling a sense of danger or doom
- Trembling and sweating
- Feeling weak or tired
- Trouble concentrating on tasks or work
- Trouble sleeping
- Gastrointestinal problems
- Difficulty controlling emotions like worry or fear
What Causes Anxiety Disorders?
Unfortunately, doctors aren’t 100% sure what causes anxiety disorders in patients to appear. However, there is a long list of risk factors that may contribute to the onset of an anxiety disorder in a patient. Some of the most common risk factors for anxiety disorders include:
Stress Buildup
Stress often wreaks havoc on the body, manifesting in conditions like panic disorders. Whether you’re stressed about a buildup of small situations or one major life event, stress can often lead to unwanted anxiety. Examples of stress buildup include a death in the family, worrying about finances, or being concerned about work.
Genetics
Believe it or not, genetics can play a big role in the development of an anxiety disorder. Studies show that it is much more likely that a patient will endure an anxiety disorder if this or another anxiety disorder is present throughout their family.
Trauma
It’s no surprise that trauma can have a lasting effect on the human body – this includes the mind and emotions. Children who endured trauma or witnessed traumatic events are far more likely to develop a panic or anxiety disorder than those who lived a carefree childhood. Adults who suffer from trauma are equally as likely to develop an anxiety disorder, as well.
Medical Causes
While there is no singular cause for anxiety disorder to develop, medical issues can play an important part. Medical problems that have been linked to the development of anxiety disorders include:
- Diabetes
- Heart disease
- Gastrointestinal issues
- Chronic pain
- Respiratory problems
- Withdrawal from certain prescription medications
Anxiety Disorder Treatment Near Atlanta, GA
If you suffer from an anxiety disorder, know that it doesn’t have to be a life sentence. You can receive high-quality treatment with the help of Chastain Psychiatry.
Our board-certified doctor, Cody Browning, is proud to offer cutting-edge treatments for those suffering from anxiety disorders, depression, PTSD, and more. For your convenience, we are also happy to offer telehealth services, so you can receive treatment for your condition in the comfort of your very own home.
To learn more about our services and the help we can provide for you and your loved ones, we encourage you to give us a call at (404) 963-2647. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Browning and his expert team, call us today or use our convenient appointment request form. We look forward to serving you!
