Anxiety is an unwelcome feeling of severe apprehension. If you are being chased by a masked stranger, anxiety can be helpful, as body chemicals will allow you to run longer and faster. For many people, however, anxiety strikes in response to worries that are less than life-threatening. Eventually, this feeling of apprehension can affect everyday functioning. This is often diagnosed as generalized anxiety disorder. While it is unknown what causes anxiety, several factors are felt to contribute to its development. A variety of effective treatments are available for anxiety.
Medical Conditions
Certain medical conditions are felt to contribute to anxiety. Asthma attacks may precipitate anxiety. Anemia is also felt to lead to anxiety in some patients. Infections, serious illnesses and heart conditions have also been implicated in the development of anxiety. Chronic conditions that lower the level of blood oxygen, such as emphysema, can also cause this problem. Mayo Clinic explains that chemicals in the brain, such as norepinephrine, dopamine and serotonin may contribute to anxiety. This may be due to imbalances of these chemicals or variations in the way the brain utilizes them. Inherited conditions may be the root cause of anxiety for some people.
Drugs
Many drugs have a side effect of anxiety in some patients. Drugs inducing anxiety include prescription, over-the-counter and illicit drugs. Overuse of highly-caffeinated drinks or other products can lead to temporary anxiety. Some people experience anxiety as part of withdrawing from prescription medications, illicit drugs or alcohol.
Psychological Stressors
Psychological stressors may be internal, such as a tendency to worry about life events or to place high expectations on yourself. Other psychological stressors are caused by the environment around you, such as job instability, financial problems or unsafe living conditions. These stressors can, over time, lead to anxiety. Relationships and the importance we place upon them can stress us as well. Whether divorce, chronic fighting, abuse or death--relationship problems or loss can potentially cause anxiety. The way we deal with issues from our past can also be a factor, including child abuse, fighting in a war and other highly traumatic events. The U.S. National Library of Medicine relates that learned behaviors may also be a factor in the development of anxiety.
