Anxiety Disorder. What Causes It?

Probably no single situation or condition causes anxiety disorders. Rather, physical and environmental triggers may combine to create a particular illness.

One theory suggests that it stems from unconscious conflicts that are a result of trauma during infancy or childhood. For example, a person may have developed problems from experiencing an illness, fright or other emotional event as a child.

By this theory, it can be resolved by identifying and resolving the unconscious conflict. In this case, the symptoms that symbolize the conflict would then disappear.

According to another popular theory, it is a learned behavior that can be unlearned. People who feel uncomfortable in a given situation or near a certain object will begin to avoid it. However, such avoidance can limit a patient's ability to live a normal life. cognitive therapy could also be used as a tool to help resolve inner turmoil in this case.

Further research has indicated that chemical imbalances in the brain are culprits. Many scientists say all thoughts and feelings result from complex electrochemical interactions in the central nervous system.

According to this theory, treatment should correct these biochemical imbalances. Although medications first come to mind with this theory, remember that studies have found biochemical changes can occur as a result of emotional, psychological or behavioral changes.

No doubt each of these theories is true to some extent. A person may develop or inherit these disorders. Events in childhood may lead to certain fears that, over time, develop into a full-blown panic disorder.