Mental health practitioners are not certain what causes anxiety disorders, but we have always felt that buried inner conflicts may be the underlying culprit. Anxiety can manifest itself in many ways, with many different symptoms. These symptoms can include worrying, apprehension and excessive shyness, to fear of everyday situations and even to panic. Often there are physical symptoms like a racing heart, difficulty breathing, sweating, dizziness, headache, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, and occasionally, muscle spasms. There can also be a sensation of finger-tingling and weakness in the muscles of the legs.
Children with anxiety disorders have difficulty learning and socializing and have trouble functioning well in school and at home. They also develop phobias where they misperceive and often exaggerate environmental dangers leading to avoidance of many situations. Most children suffering from ongoing anxiety eventually lose confidence, feel helpless and vulnerable, and develop depression. Causes of anxiety can include the following:
- An inner conflict between such feelings as dependency and anger at important figures is a common generator of anxiety states.
- Excessive trauma, such as child physical or sexual abuse, might give rise to persistent anxiety states.
- Some anxiety disorders are thought to have a significant basis in genetic inheritance, such as obsessive compulsive disorder and panic disorder.
- Some anxiety symptoms are learned through observation of family members who suffer from such problems, called learned anxiety.
- Some have considered abnormal neurotransmitter activity as a cause.
- Some medical conditions occasionally give rise to excessive anxiety, such as hyperthyroidism, certain tumors, some neurological illnesses, heart rhythm and valve disorders, certain lung diseases especially with shortness of breath, and some infections.
- Some medications cause anxiety as a side effect.
We will address seven of the most common anxiety disorders in the next two blogs. In the meantime if you have questions please email me at drpaul@henrypaulmd.com.
DISCLAIMER
Information contained in this blog is intended for educational purposes only. It is not intended as medical or psychiatric advice for individual conditions or treatment and does not substitute for a medical or psychiatric examination. A psychiatrist must make a determination about any treatment or prescription. Dr. Paul does not assume any responsibility or risk for the use of any information contained within this blog.