Causes of Anxiety Disorders

Where do high levels of anxiety come from?  Are we born with it?  Do we catch it from others?  There are many different theories as to the development of anxiety and it's causes.  Generally, it is a combination of factors, both genetic, psychological, behavioural, environmental, physical and sometimes medical.

It is very important to understand that everyone experiences anxiety - this is a normal emotion.  The difference is that some people develop and experience high levels of anxiety on a regular or daily basis, and over time this can lead to the onset of an Anxiety Disorder.  It is also important to be aware that while your Anxiety Disorder may have developed due to particular reasons, there are also things you are more than likely doing now that are maintaining it.  The information in this section provides you with knowledge about possible explanations of how your Anxiety Disorder developed, as well as the Maintaining Causes.

For more information on what anxiety is, visit the Treatment & Therapies section of this web site
and click on 'Anxiety Education'.

Click on the headings below to find out more information about each factor contributing to the development and mantainence of your anxiety.