What Causes Anxiety Attacks?
By Paul Dylan
In understanding what causes anxiety attacks it is important to understand there are a variety of anxiety disorders and therefore a broad spectrum of causes that can result in anxiety attacks. Certainly, the presence of one trigger will not necessarily indicate a guarantee that someone will develop an anxiety attack; however, certain factors have been shown to result in an increased risk of anxiety attacks.
There is actually no known precise cause of generalized anxiety disorder; however, researchers have discovered a few interesting facts related to the question of what causes anxiety attacks. Specifically, it has been determined that a wide variety of environmental, biological, psychological, cultural and life experience factors can all have an impact on the risk of developing anxiety attacks.
First, it should be understood that some people tend to be predisposed to anxiety attacks. This certainly doesn’t mean there is any reason to throw in the towel and assume there is now way to find relief from anxiety; however, both environmental and hereditary factors can have a strong impact on whether an individual develops problems with anxiety attacks. In this regard, research has shown that anxiety disorders do tend to run in families. Studies have even indicated that in the case of identical twins, if one twin develops an anxiety disorder, the other twin is at a much higher risk for also developing a type of anxiety disorder. The risk; however, is not as high in non-identical, or fraternal twins, lending further credence to the belief that the risk of developing an anxiety disorder is strongly associated with genetics. In some cases; however, it has been shown that anxiety can actually be a learned disorder.
In addition, persons with certain personality types have been found to be more prone to having anxiety disorders than others. For example, persons with low-self esteem have been noted to have a higher risk of developing anxiety disorders than persons with high self-esteem. In addition, individuals with poor coping skills may also be at an increased risk of developing anxiety disorders. Conversely, in some cases, individuals who have typical Type A personalities, also frequently referred to as perfectionists, may also be at an increased risk of developing anxiety disorders when their expectations fail to live up to reality.
It should also be noted in considering what causes anxiety attacks that stressful life experiences can also cause anxiety in some people. Researchers have discovered there is a definite relationship between exposure to poverty, violence and abuse over a long period of time and the development of anxiety disorders.
It should also be understood that certain medical conditions can also cause symptoms related to anxiety. These medical conditions can include an overactive thyroid gland as well as chronic health conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes. The stress of dealing with any serious illness can also result in symptoms associated with anxiety disorders.
Through understanding what causes anxiety attacks it is hoped that researchers and individuals who suffer from anxiety alike can gain a better understanding of this health condition and how to utilize prevention measures to reduce symptoms.
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