Anxiety can be caused by a combination of factors, including mental conditions, physical conditions, stressful life events, and substance use. Key causes include:
- Mental health disorders such as panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and phobic disorders.
- Stressful life events such as work stress, financial problems, relationship issues, trauma, serious illness, or global events like pandemics.
- Physical health problems including heart abnormalities, thyroid issues, respiratory disorders, and other medical illnesses.
- Substance effects from drugs like caffeine, cocaine, amphetamines, alcohol, and withdrawal from medications or substances.
- Childhood trauma including abuse, neglect, bullying, or loss of a parent.
- Current life stressors such as exhaustion, uncertainty, pressure at work or school, homelessness, loneliness, or societal issues.
- Genetic and biological factors including chemical imbalances in neurotransmitters like serotonin and norepinephrine.
- Social risk factors like social isolation, unemployment, being part of minority groups, or experiencing discrimination.
- Personality factors and having relatives with anxiety disorders.
Anxiety can also be triggered or worsened by daily stressors, conflict situations, social events, and personal triggers related to past traumatic experiences. It is important to understand that anxiety disorders are different from normal anxiety and involve excessive or persistent fear or worry that interferes with daily life. In summary, anxiety results from a complex interplay of biological, psychological, and environmental factors. Identifying specific causes for an individual often requires professional assessment because symptoms can overlap with other medical conditions.
