Underlying Causes of Anxiety Disorder
Although hundreds of independent forces may collectively lead to anxiety disorders, there are seven primary groups of underlying causes that lead to chronic issues.
1. Heart/Blood Pressure Issues
If you’ve ever suffered from a panic or anxiety attack, you understand how intense the physical symptoms can be. Your hands become sweaty, it’s difficult to breathe, and your heart may feel like it’s going to explode.
It may feel like a heart attack, but it’s not. However, there is a relationship between anxiety disorder and your heart. Strong data and research suggest that anxiety may be triggered by a heart attack, stroke, and other heart conditions.
The connection also goes both ways. Individuals that suffer from long-term anxiety disorders may also develop high blood pressure and increased heart rate, leading to heart disease and other challenges.
2. Alcohol/Substance Abuse
A strong link also exists between alcohol or substance abuse disorder and anxiety. Data shows that individuals with anxiety disorders are two to three times more likely to develop challenges associated with substance abuse disorder.
Individuals turn to a substance to seek relief from their symptoms when this further complicates the situation over the long term. Regardless of which issue comes first, about 20 percent of individuals with anxiety also have a substance abuse disorder. This can lead to a vicious cycle that requires treatment for dual-diagnosis.
3. Caffeine
Caffeine is a strong stimulant that can be bad news for someone with anxiety challenges. The jittery effects on the body are similar to those caused by a negative anxiety episode. This is because caffeine plays on the body’s “fight or flight” response, making anxiety worse and leading to an anxiety attack.
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4. Medications
Many medications have negative side effects that may cause symptoms of anxiety and even anxiety attacks. These medications include thyroid drugs, asthma treatment prescriptions, and even over-the-counter decongestants.
When you suddenly stop taking medications that provide relief for anxiety, such as Xanax or Valium, the withdrawal will cause rebound anxiety, which is very dangerous.
5. Weight Loss Supplements
Many over-the-counter weight-loss medications include anxiety-producing side effects that can be quite unpleasant. Some of the ingredients in these supplements cause insomnia and have extremely high levels of caffeine. Guarana, which is a common ingredient in diet products, has four times as much caffeine as coffee.
The most important product to avoid is ephedra. This leads to increased heart rate and anxiety and has even been linked to death in some cases.
6. Thyroid Issues
The thyroid gland is in the front of the neck and produces thyroid hormones. These hormones are critical for regulating your metabolism and energy levels. However, if too many of these chemicals are produced, anxiety may ensue, as well as heart palpitations and irritability.
When you have anxiety symptoms accompanied by swelling in your neck, weight loss, fatigue, and heat intolerance, you should consult your primary care physician. They can check your thyroid gland to identify the presence of any challenges or more serious conditions.
7. Stress Intensifies Anxiety
Stress and anxiety go hand in hand. Stress may lead to anxiety, and anxiety may make stress more difficult to manage. If you’re overly tense, it’s not uncommon to turn to alternative behaviors that can complicate anxiety, such as smoking and substance or alcohol abuse.
Keep in mind that stress and anxiety often include physical symptoms such as stomach and muscle aches, headaches, and other physical indicators.
When you understand the underlying causes, it becomes easier to gain an idea of how they segue into more chronic forms of anxiety disorder. These various forms of anxiety disorders include the marked fear of certain situations, people, places, or things.
Although they are similar and may even intersect, each disorder is unique and requires a specific form of treatment. Additionally, each of these disorders may be accompanied by co-occurring disorders, including other mental health conditions and substance abuse or alcohol disorders.