Anxiety disorders are among the most common mental health issues, affecting millions worldwide.
But what causes anxiety disorders? Characterized by persistent worry, these disorders often arise from various genetic, biological, and environmental factors.
Diagnosis typically involves detailed assessments by healthcare professionals using diagnostic and clinical tools.
Identifying and diagnosing the condition early can help you regain control and improve your well-being.
What Causes Anxiety Disorder?
The precise causes of anxiety disorders aren’t fully understood. However, specific life experiences like losing a loved one and similar traumatic events can trigger anxiety. Besides, genetic factors may also play a role in this predisposition.
Underlying Medical Conditions
Around 20 million US adults and children suffer from some kind of anxiety disorder. For some individuals, it may be associated with a certain medical condition. In such cases, anxiety symptoms might be the first sign of a health issue. The medical conditions associated with anxiety include:
- Thyroid issues, like hyperthyroidism
- Drug misuse or withdrawal
- Respiratory conditions, such as asthma or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
- Rare tumors that produce certain stress hormones
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Diabetes
- Heart problems
Your anxiety can be linked to a medical condition if you:
- Did not experience anxiety as a child
- Have no family history of anxiety disorders
- Experience sudden anxiety without a clear trigger
- Do not avoid specific situations that may lead to anxiety
Sometimes, anxiety can also result from the intake of specific medications.
Risk Factors
Certain factors may exacerbate the risk of developing an anxiety disorder. These may include but aren’t limited to the following.
- Personality types. Certain personality types are more susceptible to anxiety. Highly Sensitive People (HSPs) or those naturally prone to worry might face higher risks.
- Accumulated stress. A major life event or the accumulation of smaller, continuous stresses can trigger anxiety disorders. These may include a family death, job pressure, or financial worries.
- Substance use. Misuse or withdrawal from drugs can initiate or intensify anxiety disorders. The use of certain substances can also worsen existing anxiety.
- Family history. Genetics also plays a role in anxiety disorders. Having family members with anxiety increases your likelihood of developing similar issues.
- Coexisting mental health disorders. Those with other mental health conditions like depression also frequently experience anxiety disorders.
- Trauma. Experiencing traumatic events significantly raises the risk of anxiety disorders. This is true for both children and adults. Events like physical or emotional abuse or neglect during childhood can become a reason.
- Health-related stress. Living with a serious health condition can lead to substantial anxiety. Concerns about treatment and the future often contribute to worry and stress.
Complications Associated With Anxiety Disorders
Anxiety disorders can have far-reaching effects beyond constant worry. This may lead to or worsen existing mental and physical health issues.
- Sleep problems. Individuals battling an anxiety disorder experience sleep disturbances, like insomnia. This makes it difficult for them to fall or stay asleep.
- Digestive issues. Anxiety can contribute to digestive problems, including stomachaches, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), and other gastrointestinal issues.
- Headaches. Persistent anxiety is often linked to headaches and other forms of chronic pain.
- Social isolation. Anxiety can make social interactions challenging. As such, the sufferer may withdraw or isolate themselves from friends and family.
- Substance misuse. Individuals experiencing anxiety may turn to alcohol or drugs as a way to cope with anxiety. This can worsen the symptoms and lead to dependency.
- Reduced quality of life. The constant strain of anxiety can diminish overall life satisfaction and well-being.
- Suicide. In severe cases, anxiety can lead to suicidal thoughts or actions, highlighting the importance of seeking help.
Anxiety Disorders Diagnosis
Diagnosis typically involves evaluating symptoms and understanding medical and family history. A health professional may ask you to complete a self-assessment or conduct physical exams to test your levels of anxiety.
The doctor may take a different approach depending on your unique symptoms.
Anxiety Disorders Tests
Here are some tests the doctor may recommend to analyze your anxiety levels.
Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAM-A)
Although developed in 1959, this scale remains a staple in clinical and research settings. It features 14 questions assessing moods and fears and analyzing various behavioral and physical symptoms. Generally, a professional conducts this test.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7)
This screening tool features seven questions to identify generalized anxiety disorder. It asks about feelings of nervousness, fear, and irritability over the past two weeks. You need to pick up from options like “not at all,” “several days,” or “nearly every day.”
Zung Self-Rating Anxiety Scale
This 20-item questionnaire asks you to rate your anxiety on a scale from “a little of the time” to “most of the time.” The common symptoms it enlists include shaking, fainting, nervousness, nightmares, and frequent urination.
Social Phobia Inventory (SPIN)
This self-assessment test includes 17 questions to determine your anxiety levels in different social situations. You have to pick from zero (no anxiety) to four (extreme anxiety).
Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (YBOCS)
This test assesses the severity of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) since it can also lead to anxiety symptoms.
During the test, you must select 3 symptoms from the checklist that bother you the most and rate their intensity. Following this, you’ll be asked about any other compulsions you’ve experienced, and the health professional will grade your disorder accordingly.
Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI)
This 21-question multiple-choice measures the severity of your anxiety. You can take a professional’s assistance or do it independently. Questions cover symptoms like numbness, tingling, and fear, with answers ranging from “not at all” to “severely”
Penn State Worry Questionnaire
This test helps differentiate between generalized anxiety disorder and social anxiety disorder. It includes 16 questions to gauge the generality or uncontrollability of your worry.
Psychological Evaluation
Your doctor will conduct a psychological evaluation to better understand your behavior and symptoms. It helps identify an anxiety disorder or any other related complications you may have.
Since anxiety disorders may co-occur with other mental health issues, diagnosis can often be a complicated process.
DSM 5 Anxiety Disorders Diagnosis Criteria
A health professional may compare your symptoms to the criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Health Disorders (DSM-5), published by the American Psychiatric Association.
DSM-5 shares specific criteria to identify various forms of anxiety disorders. For instance, it highlights the following symptoms to evaluate Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD).
- Excessive worry about certain events and activities over a six-month period
- Difficulty controlling the worry as it keeps shifting from one thing to another
- The worry must be accompanied by at least 3 of the following symptoms in adults (only one symptom is required for children)
- Irritability
- Muscle tension
- Sleep disturbances
- Difficulty concentrating
- Feeling restless
- Fatigue
Conclusion
Identifying anxiety disorders is key to offering help and understanding. From genetic dispositions to past traumas and ongoing stressors, each factor significantly shapes individual experiences.
Acknowledging these factors allows us to support our loved ones better and ensure no one goes through it alone.
FAQs
Q1. What Is the Cause of Anxiety Disorder?
Anxiety disorders can be caused by various factors, including brain chemistry, genetics, and stressful life events. Sometimes, a combination of these factors could be involved.
Q2. What Is an Example of Anxiety Disorder?
Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is an example of anxiety disorder. It involves excessive worry about everyday things, even when there’s little or no reason to worry.
Q3. How to Fight Anxiety?
To fight anxiety, practice relaxation techniques like meditation and deep breathing. Besides, talking to a therapist and exercising regularly can also help.
