What causes anxiety?
Anxiety can be caused by a number of factors. One reason is disturbance in brain function related to the serotonin levels. This will ultimately cause symptoms of excessive worry or nervousness. Serotonin carries signals along and between nerves and is regarded by some researchers as a chemical that is responsible for maintaining mood balance.
Some risk factors for all types of anxiety disorders include:
- A shy or nervous temperament as a child
- Stressful and negative life or environmental events in early childhood or adulthood
- A family history of anxiety or other mental illnesses
Stressful situations can temporarily worsen anxiety, but do not cause it. Our social and family environments can impact our experience of worry and anxiety as well. For example, if you are surrounded by others with high anxiety or were taught that many life situations and events warrant excessive worry, this may have influenced how you have grown to make sense of the world around you.
Other questions related to Anxiety
- Are there any physical symptoms of anxiety?
- Are there benefits to having a neurotic personality?
- Is there medication for anxiety?
- What is a panic attack (also known as an anxiety attack)?
- What are the different types of anxiety?
- How do you treat neurosis naturally?
- What are natural ways to help reduce anxiety?
- What does it mean to be neurotic?
- What is the difference between GAD and social anxiety?
- Is anxiety normal?