Most people experience anxiety from time to time, but people with anxiety disorders may experience anxiety that doesn’t go away and can progressively worsen over time.
There are many types of anxiety disorders, including:
- social anxiety disorder
- panic disorder
- generalized anxiety disorder
- anxiety disorders related to specific fears
Symptoms of anxiety disorders can interfere with people’s daily activities and may reduce their quality of life. If you have concerns about your mental health, it may be helpful to speak with a doctor.
This article will examine whether anxiety disorders run in families, the possible causes, and how to treat them.
Can you inherit an anxiety disorder?
Anxiety disorders can run in families, according to experts.
A 2016 review found that people can inherit anxiety disorders from their biological parents. The authors also noted links between different types of anxiety disorders — such as panic disorder and social anxiety disorder — and specific genes.
In 2017, the authors of another review found that anxiety disorders have a moderate genetic risk. They found that roughly 30% of people who developed generalized anxiety disorder inherited specific genes from their biological parents.
In 2019, researchers studying twins reported that inherited genes could increase the risk of anxiety disorders by 20–60%.
Other causes of anxiety disorders
As well as genetics, environmental factors can increase the risk of anxiety disorders.
Factors may include:
- exposure to a stressful environment
- experiencing certain adverse life events
- feeling shy or distressed in new situations
Can dehydration cause anxiety?
Anxiety disorders may also be more common in people with certain underlying health conditions, including:
- having a family history of mental illness or disorders
- conditions that involve arrhythmia, or changes in heart rhythm
- thyroid problems
Consuming caffeine and using certain medications may also cause or worsen anxiety symptoms.
A doctor can recommend treatment options to help manage anxiety, including the symptoms of anxiety disorders.
Which medications can worsen anxiety?
Tips for overcoming anxiety
Doctors typically prescribe therapy and medications for anxiety. They will usually tailor the treatments to your symptoms and experience. They will also work with you to find a plan that suits you.
Treatment for anxiety disorders may include:
Medications
Medication can treat and manage the symptoms of anxiety. For more information, see our guide to anti-anxiety medications.
Medication options for anxiety disorders may include:
- selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as:
- sertraline (Zoloft)
- fluoxetine (Prozac)
- citalopram (Celexa)
- escitalopram (Lexapro)
- selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), such as:
- venlafaxine (Effexor)
- desvenlafaxine (Pristiq)
- duloxetine (Cymbalta)
- anti-anxiety medications called benzodiazepines that can help manage severe worry and fear but can have severe adverse effects in the long term and include examples such as:
- alprazolam (Xanax)
- lorazepam (Ativan)
- diazepam (Valium)
- beta-blockers, such as propranolol (Inderal), which are generally used to manage blood pressure but can also help relieve shaking, sweating, and other physical symptoms of anxiety
What should you know before taking lorazepam?
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