Generalized Anxiety Disorder Causes & Risk Factors

Worrying is a natural part of life. All of us are predisposed to worrying about important things, like our children and families, our health, or our finances or life choices. Many mental disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), involve... Full Answer

Women are at a much greater risk for developing generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) than men. Twice as many women are diagnosed with the disorder. Although GAD can develop at any time in a person's life, the risk is greatest from childhood to middle age. Full Answer

As with other anxiety disorders, certain abnormalities in the brain seem to predispose a person to generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). One is a low level of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter that blocks the release of other... Full Answer

Doctors are not exactly sure what specifically causes generalized anxiety disorder. Researchers believe it may be linked to genetic factors, stress, or environmental factors like learned behavior. It is also possible that the condition is a product of... Full Answer

Genetics may affect the development of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Research has indicated that the role genetics play in developing GAD is small, but it does exist. If GAD has affected several members of your family, you may consider taking... Full Answer

Generalized anxiety disorder occurs worldwide, in people of every race, religion, and sex, though women are diagnosed with GAD more frequently than men. The disorder strikes in the early twenties, has a chronic course, and often occurs alongside... Full Answer

Research into environmental factors suggests that traumatic events in early life can make a person vulnerable to anxiety disorders. Parenting style, family environment and culture may influence susceptibility to GAD. Traumatic and stressful... Full Answer

Many psychological factors appear to play a role in the development and maintenance of GAD. One of these factors is intolerance of uncertainty. Research also shows that people with GAD have greater difficulty dealing with uncertainty than... Full Answer

Women are twice as likely to be affected as men by generalized anxiety disorder. The same is true of obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Full Answer

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) can start at any time in a person's life. It usually occurs between childhood and middle age. The disorder may progress slowly and it may take some time before doctors diagnose it. Sometime people with GAD are treated... Full Answer