12/14/2024
Causes and Risk Factors
Everyone experiences anxiety on occasion. It is a normal part of being human, and one that motivates us to prepare for life events and keep ourselves safe.
For some people, occasional anxiety morphs into more persistent and overwhelming distress, worry, and fear. The anxiety may even start to interfere with daily life, at which point it is considered an anxiety disorder.
Research is unclear on exactly what causes anxiety disorders. However, researchers believe a mixture of genetic and environmental factors are likely at play.
Certain factors increase the risk of developing an anxiety disorder, including:
Having a family history of anxiety or other mental health disorders
Being particularly shy or nervous as a child
Being taught by parents or caregivers to fear certain objects or situations
Exposure to a stressful or traumatic event, such as abuse, violence, death of a loved one, or prolonged illnessđ
