It can feel paradoxical to talk about the causes of psychological disorders. On one hand, we’ve come so far and have a vast supply of resources. That said, there is still so much to learn when it comes to pinpointing how and why anxiety disorders arise and take hold. Emotional issues are complex. They are the result of many intertwining factors.

In the case of anxiety disorders, it’s important to note that there are several types. Therefore, there are a variety of possible elements to consider. With all that in mind, let’s explore what we know about the causes of anxiety disorders. 

Possible Genetic and Environmental Causes For Anxiety Disorders

Genetic

Here is where the bulk of work remains. Researchers currently believe that environmental factors are more likely to cause anxiety. But work dating back to 2002 suggests possible genetic sources. More recent studies include:

• 2015: The presence of a gene called RBFOX1 could increase the risk of developing Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). 

• 2016: In addition, both Social Anxiety Disorder and Panic Disorder could be linked to specific genes. 

• 2017: GAD might be inherited by some people, but it is accepted that you can have an anxiety disorder even if it doesn’t run in your family.

Environmental

Some of the environmental factors believed to play a role in anxiety include:

• Childhood trauma

• Family composition 

• Cultural tendencies 

• Religious upbringing 

• Underlying medical conditions (or a side effect of prescribed medication)

• The presence of substance abuse in the home

Gender and Sexuality 

Researchers have found that non-heterosexual participants in studies reported anxiety at a higher rate. More specifically:

• Bisexual people seem to experience anxiety disorders more often than gay and lesbian people. This could be connected to a sense of exclusion and marginalization. 

• For transgender people, gender dysphoria can be a risk factor for anxiety.

Race 

According to the American Psychological Association (APA), socioeconomic deprivation and racial discrimination are major predictors of anxiety. This can be related to, for example, exposure to discrimination and micro-aggressions. Fear of policing (personal experience or witnessing incidents) is also believed to raise the risk factor. 

Life Stressors

Acute or chronic stress in one’s life is a clear component of developing anxiety. Concerns and worries about your health, finances, relationships, etc., can lead to you feeling “stuck” in a stress response. This can be exacerbated by being called upon to perform publicly or any other act that triggers social anxiety.

So, Are Anxiety Disorders Genetic or Environmental?

Based on the information above, it would be easy to assume that your environment is the primary factor. When your environment is a huge element in your mental health, we just don’t know enough about genetics and anxiety to rank one factor above the other. What we can most definitely do is take active steps to address what is known.

You may be experiencing anxiety symptoms like:

• Excessive worrying 

• Sleep disturbances 

• Fatigue

• Sweating 

• Palpitations

• Racing thoughts

• Loss of focus

• Sense of impending doom

• Avoidance of social situations 

• Nausea 

• Shakiness

• Hyper-vigilance 

If so, before deciding if all this is genetic or environmental, why not assess yourself? An experienced therapist is ideally positioned to talk with you about what you’re feeling and why. Committing to regular sessions puts the power back into your hands. Working together, you and your therapist reveal underlying causes, counterproductive patterns, and triggering factors.

From there, you can focus on developing new approaches and solutions that can free you from anxiety’s control. After all, whether the source is environmental or genetic, anxiety disorders are treatable. You can recover and thrive again. Let’s get you started on this healing path. 

Learn more about Anxiety Therapy.