Find out Risk factors for generalized anxiety disorder.
A risk factor may enhance the chance of getting affected by a disease or condition. In this article, we discuss Risk factors for generalized anxiety disorder.
generalized anxiety disorder may develop for various reasons. the risk factors of generalized anxiety disorder are listed below. However, the more risk factors you have, the greater your chance of developing generalized anxiety disorder. If you have multiple risk factors, ask your doctor what you can do to lower your risk.
Risk factors for generalized anxiety disorder include:
Sex
Women have twice the risk of developing generalized anxiety disorder than men. Reasons for this include hormonal factors, cultural expectations (taking care of other people’s needs at home, in the community, and at work), and an increased willingness to visit doctors and talk about your anxiety.
Family history
Anxiety disorders tend to run in families. This could be due to family dynamics, such as failing to learn effective coping skills, overprotective behaviors, abuse, and violence.
Genetic factor
About one in four (25%) first-degree relatives with a general anxiety disorder will be affected.
Substance abuse
Nicotine, alcohol, marijuana, and cocaine abuse can increase the risk of general anxiety disorder.
Medical conditions
Patients with unexplained physical complaints, irritable bowel syndrome, migraine, or chronic pain conditions are at higher risk for generalized-anxiety disorder.
Socioeconomic and Ethnic Factors
Members of poor minority groups, particularly immigrants, tend to be at higher risk of developing a generalized anxiety disorder. This could be due to problems adjusting to a new culture, feelings of inferiority, alienation, and loss of strong family ties.
Depression
Generalized anxiety-disorder often occurs at the same time as depression, particularly major depression or dysthymia (mild chronic depression). Adolescents with depression appear to be particularly at risk for developing a generalized anxiety-disorder in adulthood.
Cultural factors
There are two studies in 2000 show that anxiety rates in children and adolescents had increased drastically since the 1950s. Both studies suggested that anxiety was related to a lack of social connections and an increased sense of threat in the environment.
Stressful events in susceptible people
The initial onset of generalized-anxiety disorder often follows a highly stressful event, such as the loss of a loved one, loss of an important relationship, loss of a job, or being the victim of a crime.
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