What causes anxiety?

Anxiety results from the interaction of multiple factors:

Genetics: a predisposition toward an anxious temperament and anxiety disorders is partly hereditary. Children of parents with anxiety disorders are at higher risk — a combination of genes and observational learning.

Neurobiology: differences in the regulation of serotonin, GABA, and norepinephrine; increased activity in the amygdala (the brain region that detects threats), paired with reduced regulation from the prefrontal cortex.

Life experiences: trauma (especially in childhood), early adversity, and overprotective or unpredictable parenting styles all raise the risk. Stressful events in adulthood can trigger or worsen anxiety.

Lifestyle: sleep deprivation (a hugely underestimated factor), a sedentary lifestyle, caffeine and alcohol use, social isolation, and a lack of space to process emotions all contribute.

Cultural and social context: performance pressure, economic uncertainty, and social comparison amplified by social media — today's environment is particularly anxiety-inducing.

Important: no one chooses to have anxiety. It is a nervous-system response that can be treated effectively.