Causes of Anxiety Disorders

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Anxiety disorders are the most common of all psychiatric illnesses. In the U.S., approximately 18% of adults and 13% of children (ages 9 through 17) suffer from anxiety disorders each year (World Health Organization, 2025). Anxiety and co-occurring mental health problems may be caused by numerous factors, including experiencing a traumatic event or repeated exposure to a stressful environment, medical illnesses, or heredity.

What are the causes of anxiety?

Anxiety may result from a complex interaction of genetic, medical, psychological and psychosocial factors, including:

  • Biological factors may include genetic (or hereditary) and neurochemical differences. In addition, women are more frequently diagnosed with anxiety disorders (World Health Organization, 2025).
  • Psychosocial factors may influence anxiety if individuals have a poor self-concept or decreased self-esteem or must respond frequently to internal or external stressors.
  • Medications, including common prescriptions such as antihistamines, insulin or oral contraceptives, may induce anxiety symptoms in some individuals.
  • Individuals with certain temperaments or personality features, such as perfectionism, may be more susceptible to anxiety disorders.
  • Sociocultural factors, such as living in a high technology society or urban community can increase the likelihood of anxiety disorders.

Fortunately, progressive, proven treatment is available through Lindner Center of Hope, where an experienced team of clinicians diagnoses and treats a variety of co-occurring and anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder, specific phobias, social anxiety disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), acute stress disorder, dissociative disorders, and substance-induced anxiety disorder.

If you or someone you love is struggling with the symptoms of an anxiety disorder, the Lindner Center of Hope offers expert diagnosis and treatment options. Read more about our anxiety treatment programs or contact us today to learn more about how we can help.

References

World Health Organization. (2025). Anxiety disorders. World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/anxiety-disorders

Content Reviewed by:

Lauren Neiser, MSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Lindner Center of Hope