Generalized anxiety disorder can create significant disruptions in a person’s life, but what exactly causes it? There is no single cause of generalized anxiety disorder, and evidence has shown that multiple factors influence the development of GAD. Some common factors include genetic predisposition, brain chemistry, family background, social influence, life experiences, and lifestyle behaviors.
Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is a condition marked by excessive, persistent worry. Understanding what causes this disorder can be helpful because it can help researchers and doctors determine which treatments might be most helpful.
At a Glance
The causes of generalized anxiety disorder are complex, and many factors likely contribute and interact in the development and maintenance of the condition. Researchers do know that genetics can play a big part and that you are more likely to develop GAD if you have family members who also have an anxiety disorder. But genetics aren’t the sole cause. Brain structure, life experiences, and lifestyle factors can also trigger symptoms of GAD. Keep reading to learn more about the causes of generalized anxiety disorder and what you may be able to do to lower your risk.
Verywell / Cindy Chung
Genetic Causes of Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Genetics may influence whether you develop GAD. Similar to other health conditions, a genetic predisposition can increase susceptibility to specific symptoms. This applies to generalized anxiety disorder as well.
Advances in research have enabled scientists to study the genetic role in developing GAD, though findings are still preliminary. However, these insights hold important implications for those facing anxiety disorders.
For instance, genetic vulnerability to GAD can occur if specific genetic markers are inherited. This vulnerability, combined with certain environmental factors, can trigger symptom development.
Studies have shown that first degree relatives of someone with GAD are more likely to develop mood and anxiety disorders in general, with a specific increased risk for developing GAD.
Researchers suggest that about 30% of the risk of developing GAD can be attributed to genetic inheritance.
First degree relatives would include family members most closely related to you, such as a parent, sibling, or child.
Finally, women are more prone to anxiety disorders in general. In fact, statistics from the ADAA show that women are actually twice as likely to be impacted by a generalized anxiety disorder.
Although the condition typically begins around 30 years old, many of those who are diagnosed are found to have been struggling with symptoms for years before seeing a professional and being properly diagnosed. GAD comes on gradually, with the greatest risk between childhood and middle age.
Brain Structure Differences in People with GAD
The limbic system consists of brain structures that regulate many basic emotional responses. While it can be influenced by the brain’s “thinking” parts, it also responds independently to stimuli.
The Amygdala
The amygdala, a part of the limbic system, plays a role in automatic fear responses and processes involving memory and emotion.
Research on amygdala function often focuses on anxiety disorders like PTSD and OCD, but some consistent brain patterns have emerged in GAD patients.
With the amygdala’s role in processing fear, it’s not surprising that imaging studies show elevated activity in this area among those with GAD when they process negative emotions.
This increased activity may lead to inaccurate interpretations of social behavior for those with GAD.
People with GAD may inaccurately perceive a social cue or interaction as threatening when it is not actually threatening.
Gray Matter
Gray matter volume is another area of research related to GAD and other anxiety and mood disorders. Increased gray matter volume in specific brain regions consistently appears in people with GAD compared to those without it.
The right putamen is one brain area where increased gray matter volume is observed in those with GAD.
Researchers found that a larger volume of gray matter in certain brain regions was positively correlated with childhood maltreatment.
In other words, the greater the report of childhood maltreatment, the greater the likelihood of increased volume of gray matter in that area of their brain.
How Life Experiences Contribute to GAD
Although genetic and biologic factors clearly contribute to the development of GAD, a greater percentage of the risk for GAD lies in complex psychological, environmental, and social factors.
Experiencing Trauma
Mental health researchers have found that trauma in childhood can increase a person’s risk of developing GAD. Difficult experiences such as physical and mental abuse, neglect, the death of a loved one, abandonment, divorce, or isolation can all be contributing factors.
When a person has gone through particularly hard experiences that leave them feeling uncertain, humiliated, or apprehensive about trusting others, it is understandable that they may become anxious in various situations in the future.
People with GAD have difficulty accurately interpreting threats. Experiences or interactions that may seem harmless to most could feel emotionally threatening, dangerous, and anxiety-producing for someone with GAD.
Interestingly, research has shown that life events that result in specific feelings of loss, humiliation, entrapment, and danger are reliable predictors of the development and onset of generalized anxiety disorder.
It is important for medical and mental health practitioners to gather family and social history as this is information that can help lead to an accurate diagnosis.
Learned Behavior
Some behavioral scientists believe that anxiety is a learned behavior, suggesting that if a person has a parent or caregiver who demonstrates anxious behavior, they may tend to mirror that same anxious behavior.
Children learn how to handle challenging, stressful situations from caregivers and other important people close to them. When they model less effective methods of stressful management, children tend to do the same. These early social learning experiences can influence the development of long-lasting anxiety.
Societal Factors That Contribute to GAD
Evidence also suggests that social media exposure contributes to increased feelings of anxiety. Researchers are finding that the use of social media, particularly in excess, can greatly impact mental health, sometimes resulting in anxiety and depression.
Interacting with others through social media can also present us with the same challenges as when we are interacting in people, such as feelings of loneliness, rejection, abandonment, or humiliation.
People with GAD may be less effective in accurately interpreting social cues and interactions, leaving them to potentially feel a heightened sense of danger or rejection, even when there is no observable threat present.
Interactions through social media can be interpreted in these same inaccurate ways, possibly even more so when we are, at times, missing essential nonverbal cues in communication, such as facial expressions, body language, and tone, potentially exacerbating GAD.
Lifestyle Factors That May Cause Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Additionally, lifestyle factors like the substances we use and our relationships can increase the risk of experiencing anxiety.
Caffeine
Using everyday addictive substances like caffeine can heighten feelings of worry or nervousness, contributing to the development of anxiety. Our culture tends to ask more and more of us, pushing us to perform, and leaving us to fear feeling left behind, socially, financially, physically, or otherwise.
Relying on caffeine sources such as coffee, tea, soda, and energy drinks can cause some people to feel restless and anxious, especially when used in large quantities.
Relationships
Relationships can be a source of great comfort, but also pain. Relationships can be a significant source of anxiety for women, in particular.
Women are twice as likely as men to develop GAD. Because women are more likely to experience anxiety disorders, experts recommend that women and girls aged 13 and older should be screened for anxiety during routine health exams.
Research has shown that two factors contributing to anxiety, specifically related to women, were being afraid of and/or humiliated by a current partner or ex-partner. Dangerous and fearful experiences within intimate relationships can also influence the development of anxiety.
Job Stress
Work can be a great source of stress and become a trigger in the development of anxiety. Some employers expect extraordinarily high levels of performance and productivity that can threaten a person’s sense of employment security.
When looking for work, you may find yourself competing with many others who are highly qualified and experienced, causing stress related to the ability to provide for ourselves and your family. Career and work-related stress, particularly the loss of a job, can be a significant source of heightened anxiety.
In general, the potential for developing anxiety-related conditions is increased during periods of severe and prolonged stress—regardless of source.
For example, some people discover they have GAD while going through a challenging life transition such as divorce or loss of a loved one.
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Risk Factors for Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Certain risk factors can increase the likelihood that a person may develop generalized anxiety disorder. These include:
- Being female: People who are assigned female at birth are more likely to develop GAD than those assigned male at birth. In general, women experience anxiety disorders at a higher rate than men (23.4% vs. 14.3%, respectively).
- Personality: If you have certain traits such as behavioral inhibition, neuroticism, and fearfulness, you have a greater risk of developing GAD.
- Stressful experiences: If you have a history of stressful or traumatic life experiences, your risk of developing GAD may be higher.
- Family history: If you have a family member with an anxiety condition, you may be more likely to develop the condition as well.
Can You Prevent Generalized Anxiety Disorder?
There is no surefire way to prevent generalized anxiety disorder. You cannot control all of the factors that cause the condition, including genetics, brain structure, and exposure to trauma.
While it is not preventable, there are things you can do to lessen its impact.
Recognize the Symptoms
Because GAD doesn’t cause intense episodes of anxiety or panic attacks, people sometimes dismiss the symptoms. It’s important to know the signs and when to reach out for help. Common symptoms of the condition include:
- Excessive, uncontrollable worry and anxiety about many things
- Fatigue
- Restlessness
- Difficulty concentrating
- Muscle aches and tension
- Irritability
- Trouble sleeping
Get Treatment
Seek treatment as soon as possible. This can reduce the impact that symptoms have on your life and prevent symptoms from worsening.
Treatment for GAD may include:
Care for Yourself
Use effective self-care practices to help reduce stress and anxiety. Make sure you are getting enough sleep, eating a balanced diet, and engaging in regular exercise.
Research has found that exercise can be effective in the treatment of anxiety.
Use Relaxation Techniques
Different relaxation techniques can also help combat anxiety symptoms. Particularly effective strategies include deep breathing, yoga, and progressive muscle relaxation.
Keep in Mind
Not all GAD risk factors are in your control, but many are modifiable and manageable. There are effective strategies for coping with trauma and stress. If you think you are at risk or think you have GAD, take a step forward, and reach out for assistance.
