What Causes Anxiety Disorders People suffering from anxiety disorders experience feelings of anxiety and fear that are not proportional to the actual danger They may also experience physical symptoms, such as a rapid pulse, sweating or a shortness of breath There are two types of treatment for anxiety disorders, psychotherapy and medication also called talk therapy Each has its own benefits Genetics Genetics are a major factor in the development of anxiety disorders People with an anxiety history in their family are at a greater chance of developing this condition It appears that genes may also cause anxiety to flare-up in certain situations, and increase the risk to suffering from symptoms Scientists continue to identify the genes that cause anxiety They hope to find an approach to stop anxiety disorders in those with certain genetic conditions Anxiety is a family trait and those who have close relatives with anxiety are more likely to develop it Genetic studies of identical twins have also demonstrated that there is a link between genes and anxiety disorders In fact one of the most important results of the study of anxiety's genetics is the discovery that a duplication of the chromosome 15 region is linked to an increased risk of suffering from phobias and panic disorder Researchers have a good grasp of the role genetics plays in anxiety However it is important to keep in mind that environmental factors can cause anxiety This is true for those with an ancestral history of anxiety and those who do not Certain studies have found that people who suffer from chronic stress, trauma events or other mental disorders are more likely to experience anxiety Numerous gene-based association GWAS studies have shown significant heritability in anxiety disorders, both present and past, as well as traits related to these disorders The vast majority of loci associated with anxiety have not yet been discovered Future GWAS require deeper and more systematized phenotyping in order to discover the specific mechanisms that link genotype to phenotype In particular it will be necessary to determine whether there are differences between sexes in susceptibility to anxiety due to genetics and to differentiate specific disorders from pleiotropic ones that are associated with a range of anxiety phenotypes It is also essential to have a greater diversity of study samples in order to discover and replicate the vast majority of loci that influence the anxiety These are the major challenges to the study of anxiety genomes Environmental stress Individuals with anxiety disorders experience anxiety and fear, which is out of proportion to their circumstances This can cause significant stress and impact on their lives, affecting their work, family and social life The cause of https//wwwiampsychiatrycom/anxiety-disorders s isn't completely known, but a variety of factors could be at play These include genetic factors and brain chemistry, life experiences and environmental stressors Certain health ailments and medications could cause anxiety People who are born with certain characteristics, like an inclination to be shy or nervous or anxious, could be more susceptible to anxiety Genes can affect the way the brain chemicals that control fear and emotions work If these chemicals aren't functioning correctly, anxiety disorders could develop People with a close relative who has an anxiety disorder are at higher risk Anxiety disorders can be triggered by negative or stressful life circumstances, such as the death or illness of a loved-one If the feelings don't ease it is suggested to seek medical help The exposure to harmful substances, such as exposure to chemicals or pollution is linked to higher levels of anxiety Certain medical conditions, such as thyroid disorders can also increase the risk of anxiety disorder There are many treatments for anxiety disorders, such as cognitive behavioral therapy CBT which teaches various ways of thinking and behaving CBT can help you learn how to deal with situations that trigger anxiety, and conquer your anxiety It can help you deal with your worries, and reduce the time you are occupied with worrying CBT can be paired with other treatments, such as mindfulness meditation or group support groups It is crucial to select the right treatment for you It is usually best to combine treatments such as medication, psychotherapy and self-help If you have a family history of anxiety, make sure you share this information with your physician This will allow them recognize the signs of anxiety to be able to address them as soon as possible Avoiding activities that trigger anxiety symptoms is crucial For example avoid places where you've had negative experiences in the past Mental health conditions Every person has anxiety from time to time It's the brain's response to stress, and also a sign of danger If anxiety becomes chronic, it can affect your daily activities This is when it's time to see a doctor to have an assessment and treatment People who have anxiety disorders frequently suffer from other mental health disorders as well Anxiety symptoms may be present in those suffering from depression or bipolar disorders People with certain physical health problems like diabetes or heart disease, also have a higher risk of experiencing anxiety Anyone who has experienced abuse or trauma are at higher chances of developing anxiety, which is called post-traumatic stress disorder PTSD There are a myriad of types of medication that can help reduce anxiety symptoms It's important to discuss your options with your physician Some types of drugs are more effective for specific types of anxiety For instance, SSRIs and SNRIs, that are used to treat depression, can also help with anxiety They include citalopram Lexapro, the fluoxetine Prozac, and duloxetine Cymbalta Antidepressants in different classes tricyclic antidepressants also help with anxiety These include imipramine as well as clomipramine Some herbal supplements, over-the-counter drugs, and illicit substances can trigger anxiety symptoms People suffering from anxiety disorders should avoid caffeine, alcohol and nicotine Talk therapy - also known as psychotherapy can aid people with anxiety It usually takes place in small group settings and focuses on managing your anxiety It can also help you change your behaviors that cause anxiety, such as staying away from stressful situations You can also consider complementary therapies like mindfulness meditation and yoga These methods work for a lot of people suffering from anxiety If your anxiety doesn't improve, you may need to consult a psychiatrist or psychologist for additional help Substance abuse While everyone may feel anxious at some point, an actual anxiety disorder is a constant feeling of fear and tension that interferes with daily life Anxiety is typically triggered by a particular event or situation, such as an interview or public speaking event, but for certain people, it could be chronic and even crippling Individuals who suffer from co-occurring substance abuse and anxiety disorder need professional assistance A dual diagnosis treatment center can offer the treatment and support required to recover Substance abuse can mask anxiety symptoms and make it difficult to determine Certain drugs and alcohol can trigger symptoms similar to anxiety, such as restlessness, anxiety, nervousness and irritability These symptoms can also be caused by withdrawal It is often difficult to determine whether an individual's anxiety disorder and addiction disorder are connected Some substances can actually cause anxiety, particularly stimulants such as cocaine or prescription medications used to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder ADHD These substances increase the activity of specific brain regions which are associated with depression and anxiety In time, users may experience a permanent state of anxiety that gets worse when they stop using the drug or experience withdrawal Research suggests that 20 percent of individuals diagnosed with an anxiety disorder suffer from a substance use disorder, according to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America This is due to financial issues and health issues, relationship conflicts and other stressors can go hand with addiction It's important to treat addiction and anxiety disorders simultaneously It is possible to conquer both addiction and anxiety at the same time The key is to find a dual diagnosis treatment center that can provide the appropriate combination of treatment for each person Click here to learn more about the nearest facility that offers dual diagnosis The earlier you seek help the more likely that your anxiety and addiction can be successfully treated