The causes of anxiety disorder depend on the type of disorder. For instance, the causes of social anxiety are understood a bit more than the causes of generalized anxiety disorder, according to the Mayo Clinic. Regardless, there still are risk factors that can increase a person's chances of developing anxiety. Understanding the risk factors and causes can help in the treatment process.
Chemical Factors
Serotonin, a chemical in the brain that regulates mood and emotions, might be one cause of anxiety disorders, especially social anxiety, according to the Mayo Clinic, although researchers still are exploring this concept. The University of Maryland Medical Center agrees with this theory, stating that patients diagnosed with anxiety disorders often are prescribed medications that restore the balance, or alter the levels, of brain chemicals such as serotonin. Because of this, biochemistry is believed to be one cause of anxiety disorders.
Personality
Personality is cited as both a cause and a risk factor of all types of anxiety disorders. Certain personality types, such as people with low self-esteem or people who find it difficult to cope with problems in life, could be more prone to anxiety disorders than others, the University of Maryland of Medical Center says. The Mayo Clinic says people who have another personality disorder, such as borderline personality disorder, also might be at higher risk for anxiety disorders.
Inherited Disorders
Anxiety also is cited as being inherited, either in genes or developed as a learned disorder. One example of an inherited disorder, notes the University of Maryland Medical Center, can be found in identical twins. Should one identical twin be diagnosed with an anxiety disorder, the second twin has an increased risk of developing the condition, compared with twins that are not identical. In some cases, according to the Mayo Clinic, anxiety disorders can be a learned behavior. Should a parent or close relative be constantly anxious and worried, the child can believe this is normal behavior and "inherit" the behavior as an adolescent and adult.
Childhood Trauma
Considered a risk factor for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) by the Mayo Clinic, any type of childhood trauma can increase a child's risk of developing GAD as an adult. Examples include witnessing a traumatic event, such as a death of a loved one; physical or sexual abuse; or falling prey to constant bullying. The stress from these events can present itself in the form of an anxiety disorder later in life.
