Anxiety is often an end result of some degree of genetic and biological predisposition that is usually triggered by some environmental stressors that come together to fuel anxiety, worry, and a pattern of avoidance designed to reduce anxiety.
What Percent of Anxiety is Genetic and Biological?
We know that anxiety tends to run in families which implicates a genetic component. A number of twin studies who were raised in different homes and environments often still share many remarkable characteristics and similarities supporting that genetics plays a strong role in a variety of outcomes and issues. Body chemistry, biological structural differences (such as the amygdala) along with a variety of genes on different chromosomes coalesce and set the stage for some people to be wired up for higher levels of anxiety. Studies show that 30-50% of anxiety can be attributed to genetics and biology. If these variables are considered to be the necessary ingredients, or gasoline, for anxiety (predisposition), it is any number of environmental factors that are the trigger, or match, that ignites anxiety.
Can Life Stressors Activate Anxiety?
Probably one of the most likely triggers for anxiety is the endless number of life stressors that people are susceptible to experiencing. Some of the more common ones that people go through include divorce or break up of a significant relationship, death or loss of a loved one, financial burdens or crises from debt or loss of a job, childhood challenges such as rejection, friendship conflicts, or social ridicule to name a few. Unfortunately, typical upbringing often does not prepare a person to cope with such difficulties. We spend years in school learning how to conjugate verbs, speak a foreign language, or perform algebra, but it does little to teach us how to cope with painful emotions and interpersonal challenges. Parents and friends are often available to provide some level of support and comfort while we suffer through life’s challenges, but they are often not skilled enough to articulate a structured playbook for coping and tackling mental and emotional turmoil going on inside of you. Being ill-prepared to resolve these stressors leaves many filled with anxiety. Counselors and therapists are specialists who possess the knowledge, skills, and ability to educate and teach you how to manage anxiety.
Does Trauma Create Anxiety?
Anxiety is almost always a product of trauma. Extreme situations and events are by definition outside the scope of normal life experiences for most people. Fortunately, very few have to endure and survive tragedies such as natural disasters, military combat, sexual assault, repeated abuse or bullying, and any number of near-death experiences. Such events rob us of our sense of safety, trust, and control. Once shaken, people are left with the conclusion that since these tragedies did occur, they could certainly occur again. Living with this dread and terror leaves many terrified and anxious about a recurrence. In most cases, people surviving trauma need the skill of psychological professionals and therapists to navigate through trauma reactions.
What are Medical and Chemical Causes of Anxiety?
Interestingly, there are some common medical conditions that could be driving and fueling anxiety. Conditions like diabetes, hypertension, thyroid disorders and many others can affect chemical and hormone levels in the body and brain that result in anxiety. Similarly, some medications can produce side effects that include increased anxiety. Even recreational substances like alcohol or marijuana can create anxiety. Whether it is impaired perceptions or paradoxical reactions, some people experience dread, worry, anxiety, or even paranoia as they result of chemical use. These medical conditions, medicinal properties, or chemical use join together with those biological and genetic predispositions to fuel problems with anxiety. It can be important to look at these factors when trying to find the source of anxiety. A good therapist or counselor will evaluate these potential causes of anxiety to see if there is a quick fix to what may be causing your anxiety.
If you are interested in counseling or therapy, or wish to talk to one of our psychiatric providers about medications for your anxiety, feel free to contact IPC so you can schedule an appointment with one of skilled professionals. Please call us now at 763-416-4167, or request an appointment on our website: WWW.IPC-MN.COM so we can sit down with you and complete a thorough assessment and help you develop a plan of action that will work for you. Life is too short to be unhappy. Find the peace of mind you deserve.
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