HAPPY NEW YEAR 2019

Generalized Anxiety Disorder: Causes and Risk Factors

                                         

There is no singular cause of generalized anxiety disorder that has been identified. Evidence has shown that multiple factors are usually at play, influencing the development of GAD. Some of the common factors include things like genetic predisposition, brain chemistry, family background, social influence, and life experiences.

                              

Brain Structure

The limbic system is a collection of brain structures that, among other functions, is involved in the regulation of many of our basic emotional reactions. Although it is generally under the control of the "thinking" part of our brain, it can respond to stimuli on its own as well.

Genetics

Your genetics may play a role in determining whether or not you will develop GAD. As with many other mental and medical health conditions, we can be genetically predisposed for developing certain symptoms. This is the same with generalized anxiety disorder.

Technological and methodological advances have allowed researchers to examine the role genes play in the development of GAD in more detail, but the research is still in preliminary stages. Despite this, it has significant implications for anyone who faces anxiety disorders.

We know, for example, that we can have a genetic vulnerability to developing GAD if certain genetic markers have been passed on to us. Vulnerability, in combination with certain environmental factors, can trigger the development of symptoms.

Life Experiences

Although genetic and biologic factors clearly contribute to the development of GAD, a greater percentage of the risk for GAD lies in complex psychological, environmental, and social factors.

Societal Factors

Of people who are on social media, it has been shown that approximately 30 percent are plugged into social media for 15 hours or more per week. Researchers are finding that the use of social media, particularly in excess, can greatly impact our mental health, sometimes resulting in anxiety and depression.

Lifestyle Factors

                                   

Using everyday addictive substances like caffeine can heighten feelings of worry or nervousness, contributing to the development of anxiety. Our culture tends to ask more and more of us, pushing us to perform, and leaving us to fear feeling left behind, socially, financially, physically or otherwise.

Relationships

                              

Our relationships can be a source of great comfort, but also pain. Relationships can be a significant source of anxiety for women, in particular.

Research has shown that two main factors of anxiety, specifically related to women, were being afraid of and/or humiliated by a current partner or ex-partner. Dangerous and fearful experiences within intimate relationships can influence the development of anxiety.

Job Stress

                                   

Work can be a great source of stress and become a trigger in the development of anxiety. Some employers expect extraordinarily high levels of performance and productivity that can threaten our sense of employment security.

When looking for work, we can find ourselves competing with many others who are highly qualified and experienced, causing stress related to the ability to provide for ourselves and our families. Career and work-related stress, particularly the loss of a job, can be a significant source of heightened anxiety.