Risk factors that could contribute to developing an anxiety disorder include:

Specific personality traits, like shyness
Stressful or traumatic life events
Family history of anxiety disorders
Medical problems
Drug or alcohol withdrawal or misuse
Depression or other mental health challenges

The exact cause of anxiety disorders isn't clear, so you can't necessarily prevent it.

An anxiety disorder can present as:

Generalized anxiety disorder
People with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) have unrealistic worries or extreme fears in typical everyday situations.

Panic disorder
Panic disorder is marked by panic attacks and intense, sudden episodes of extreme anxiety. You might have chest pain, sweating, a pounding heart, and difficulty breathing.

Social anxiety disorder
Social anxiety disorder is anxiousness, overwhelming worry, embarrassment, and/or self-consciousness in social situations.

Phobias
Phobias are marked by intense fear of specific objects or situations, like snakes, flying, heights, shots, blood, or spiders.

Agoraphobia
Agoraphobia is an extreme fear of crowds, long lines, enclosed spaces, public places, public transportation, or even leaving your home.

Separation anxiety disorder
Separation anxiety disorder affects some children and teenagers who experience fear, worry, or anxiousness when away from their parents.

Anxiety disorders affect about 40 million Americans, including 30% of adults during their lives.

Risk factors include:

Family history of anxiety disorders
Depression
Chemical brain imbalances
Stress
Traumatic experiences

Anxiety disorders typically begin in childhood, the teenage years, or early adulthood.

Diagnosing anxiety disorders consists of a psychiatric evaluation, medical history review, and GeneSight testing when needed.

Dr. Spink offers in-person and telepsychiatry (cognitive behavioral therapy, exposure therapy, etc.), medication management, lifestyle coaching, and combinations of treatments to overcome anxiety symptoms.

Schedule an in-person or virtual anxiety evaluation by phone or request one online today at Essential Mental Healthcare, PLLC.