Anxiety is a natural body reaction caused by perceived danger. Anxiety disorders occur when natural anxiety doesn’t go away or worsens over time.
The cause of these disorders is not known, but there are some potential links that show certain factors can lead to a person having an anxiety disorder.
Two factors that seem to largely determine whether a person will develop an anxiety disorder are:
Genetics
Environment.
Scientists also think there may be a link between anxiety and the hippocampus in the brain. They believe that any type of brain injury in the hippocampus area could predispose someone to an anxiety disorder.
Another area of the brain that could also connect with anxiety disorders is the amygdala, so injuries in that area also could increase the chances of developing an anxiety disorder.
What exactly is anxiety disorder, and do I have it?
If you suspect you might be living with an anxiety disorder, be sure to talk with your primary care physician and/or a licensed mental health counselor about your concerns.
The Monarch Directory by SimplePractice can help you find a licensed mental health professional near you who specializes in anxiety.
To help you determine if you have symptoms of an anxiety disorder, take Monarch’s 2-minute free anxiety quiz.