Causes for Anxiety Neurosis and Anxiety disorder

More than one reason could contribute to the development of anxiety-related disorders. In daily practice, we observe that there are external and internal factors responsible for the triggering of anxiety episodes. Researchers and scientists are trying to find out more about the biological, psychological, and social factors which influence the development of anxiety disorders as there is still a lot more to learn about the role of these. The following are all believed to play a role in the occurrence of anxiety disorders:

Genetics and heredity

There is clear evidence that anxiety disorders tend to run in families. If a parent or a sibling of a person suffers from an anxiety disorder, there are higher chances of that person developing this disorder. These findings suggest that a genetic factor combined with certain social factors predisposes certain people to develop anxiety disorders.

Chemical imbalances in the brain

Scientists strongly believe that brain chemistry plays a role in the onset of anxiety disorders. When there is an imbalance of chemicals (such as serotonin and dopamine) in the brain, a person can feel anxious or depressed.

Personality types

People with certain types of personalities are more prone to develop anxiety disorders. For e.g.: people who have low self-esteem and poor coping skills may be more prone to anxiety development. The basic nature of an individual makes one vulnerable to specific types of disorders, including anxiety.

Social factors

The role of social factors in the development of anxiety disorders is being studied by researchers and a relationship has been seen between anxiety disorders and long-term exposure to abuse, violence, poverty, etc. Such life experiences affect an individual's susceptibility to these disorders. Growing up in a family where fear and anxiety are constantly seen by children can “teach” them to become anxious.

Medical causes

Sometimes anxiety may be caused due to the presence of medical illnesses such as certain neurological disorders, endocrinological disorders, cardiopulmonary disorders, etc.

Drugs and other substances

Anxiety can be caused due to the usage of certain drugs like amphetamines, certain over-the-counter medicines, tranquilizers, steroids, contraceptive pills, hormonal treatment, etc.

Evaluation of causes by studying the totality

A comprehensive study of the patient through structured questioning is required to evaluate the causes of Anxiety. Every patient is different, understandably. The causes of anxiety disorder need to be investigated by personal history, through the study of one's lifestyle, family relationships, triggering factors, work environment, past events, tragic triggers in one life, use of drugs, pasty history of diseases, and medicines, as well as the family history of various diseases. A totalistic view of the individual patient helps to determine why one suffer from anxiety or depression. 

Based on the individual study of the cases the treatment has to be determined, which is more individual-specific than merely disease-specific. That is the beauty and strength of homeopathy. 

Many times, the anxiety disorder is triggered by circumstances such as loss of a loved one or loss of job, or a disappointment in love, or use of certain drugs, or maybe due to excessive ambition, or insecurity about work or education or career, and the like. A proper study of individual factors is required to decide the exact treatment. One may study such cases-studies share on some of the pages of this website. 

Written & Approved by-

Dr. Rajesh Shah

M.D. (Hom.)