WHAT CAUSES ANXIETY?

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Everyone experiences anxiety. It is what makes us more human than otherwise, to paraphrase Dr. Harry Stack Sullivan. This psychoanalyst created The Theory of Interpersonal Relations and taught that much mental suffering is a result of communication that is interfered with by anxiety. According to Sullivan, anxiety is a normal reaction to unmet needs and other stresses, such as disapproval (first from parents and then from oneself or others). Anxiety can also be viewed as a protective mechanism that keeps you safe from situations believed to be threatening.

Whether or not anxiety develops into a chronic condition that interferes with your life depends on your genes, your early family experiences, your ongoing stress (which can affect brain activity), medical conditions, toxins you encounter, and drugs and stimulants you take. Let’s examine these in a little more detail.

1.     Your genes can contribute to anxiety conditions

 if you are born a volatile, excitable, reactive type of person who is easily set off by a threat. In this case, you may be especially prone to panic attacks, which are really just your body overreacting by pouring adrenaline out of your adrenal glands and into your bloodstream. This leads to a racing heart, shallow breathing, profuse sweating, trembling and shaking, and cold hands and feet as your body readies itself to either fight or flee. Since there is no real threat, you are left with the chemical reactions flooding your body. Luckily, the adrenaline released during panic tends to be reabsorbed by the liver and kidneys within a few minutes, and the attack subsides. 

2. Childhood experiences can contribute to anxiety conditions

If you had parents who were overly cautious or critical, if you were neglected, rejected, abandoned, incurred physical or sexual abuse, grew up in a family where one or both parents were alcoholic, or had parents who suppressed your expression of feelings and selfassertiveness.

Jeff, a kindergarten teacher, was sexually abused by his uncle, a pet store owner. Jeff didn’t seem to have any anxiety problems until he turned nineteen, when he developed phobias about animals and heights. He stayed away from high places and animals and was able to complete college and start teaching. Gradually he be came unable to leave his house or even his bedroom. He found a therapist who worked with him until he was able to leave his bedroom and eventually his house. He has returned to teaching but continues to see his therapist monthly as a preventive measure.

3. Cumulative stress over many years has also been implicated in the development of anxiety conditions, and a stressful lifestyle that avoids exercise, healthy nutrition, daily relaxation, social support, and self-nurturing activities can put you at increased risk. Years of heavy smoking often precede anxiety disorders, especially agoraphobia, generalized anxiety, and panic disorder. The connection appears to be impaired breathing ability. Your serotonin level may be involved, especially if you develop obsessive-compulsive traits. There is also a theory that reduced levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) can contribute to generalized anxiety. There are numerous medical conditions that can lead to increased anxiety or panic attacks. 

Hyperventilation syndrome is a condition in which you breathe in the upper part of your chest. This results in symptoms very much like panic attacks, including light headedness, shortness of breath, dizziness, trembling, and/or tingling in your hands.

Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar level, also mimics the symptoms of panic.

Hyperthyroidism (excess secretion of thyroid hormone) can lead to heart palpitations, insomnia, anxiety, and sweating that can add to your normal anxiety.

 Mitral valve prolapsed (a harmless defect in the valve separating the upper and lower chambers of the heart that may cause the heart to beat out of rhythm) occurs more frequently in people who have panic attacks.

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) can worsen panic attacks.

Inner ear disturbances can lead to dizziness, light-headedness, and unsteadiness,any of which can add to your anxiety.

Other situations that can set off or worsen anxiety or panic include taking stimulants (cocaine, amphetamines, caffeine, aspartame), high blood pressure, exposure to environmental toxins (pesticides, food additives, lead, chlorine, fluoride, or cadmium, for example), heart failure or  irregular heartbeats, clot in the lung, emphysema, deficiencies in vitamins or minerals, concussion, epilepsy, parathyroid disease, Cushing’s syndrome, thyrotoxicosis, and withdrawal from drugs (especially tranquilizers, sedatives, and alcohol).

Panic attacks or phobias (persistent and unreasonable fear that results in a strong desire to avoid a dreaded object, activity, or situation) can also be triggered by past traumatic situations.

 Copyright © Carolyn Chambers Clark,ARNP,EDD – Originally appeared in Living Well With Anxiety edition by Carolyn Chambers Clark,ARNP,EDD