Anxiety disorders are among the most common mental conditions in the world. “The World Health Organization (WHO) confirms that there are approximately 301 million people worldwide who are grappling with anxiety each day, making it more common than other mental illnesses. Anxiety can happen to anyone and come without warning.” It’s a reaction to excessive worry or fear, which can happen as a result of traumatic life events past and present and the fear of interacting in social settings. Genetics can also play a role. Here’s what we know about the different types of anxiety disorders, their connections to genetics, and potential treatments.
Anxiety Disorders and Genetics
There are many people worldwide who are living their day-to-day lives with anxiety, and you wouldn’t be wrong to assume that anxiety disorders are somehow connected to genetics. The human body is made up of 20-25,000 genes, so it’s possible that a single gene could be the cause of an anxiety disorder. If you have a family history of anxiety, you may experience it at some point in your lifetime. Psychology Today notes that 25-40% of all anxiety disorders are inherited and are two times more likely to occur in women.
But why is this the case, and can the body’s nervous and endocrine systems play a role? The hypothalamus connects the nervous and endocrine systems and is the part of the brain that allows these two systems to work together to maintain the regularity of bodily functions. Bodily functions include communication, muscle reflexes, coordination, metabolism, stress, hormone production, and mental stability. The reason for the shift may be found in estrogen and testosterone receptors. Estrogen and testosterone receptors vary genetically in interacting with the nervous and endocrine systems.
The Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis (HPA) is a hormonal system that releases and regulates estrogen, testosterone, and cortisol bodily hormones. Hormones are responsible for regulating the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. For example, if there is too much or too little of a hormone, the sympathetic nervous system responsible for our flight or fight responses will go haywire, and the parasympathetic nervous system will become unequipped to handle life-sustaining processes and stress, causing anxiety.
Types of Anxiety Disorders
Because genetics plays a role in how estrogen and testosterone regulate our body’s reactions to stress, it’s safe to speculate that this may be the cause of common anxiety disorders such as Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), and Panic Disorder. First, Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) can emerge suddenly at any age, according to the Mayo Clinic, and symptoms include excessive worry and anxiety that do not cease and can interfere with your day-to-day life.
Next, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a feeling of anxiety that turns into persistent thoughts and urges that cause can cause worry, emotional distress, and repeating an activity over and over so much that it affects your daily routine. Last, Panic Disorder can appear quickly and is a reaction to extreme fear when there is no real danger. It’s common to have a panic attack or two at some point in your lifetime, and if you have one, you may be anticipating another attack.
Experiencing any of these disorders, hereditary or not, can be difficult and affect your quality of life. That’s why it’s essential to consider all options available regarding treatment. It may be hard to step outside your comfort zone and ask for help, but the benefits outweigh the risks.
Potential Treatment
No matter the role of genetics or the type of anxiety disorder you have, there is a need for treatment. You’ll first want to talk to a licensed primary care physician to rule out any underlying physical health issues. However, because anxiety can be problematic to manage on your own and affects your day-to-day life, you will likely need to see a licensed psychologist or psychiatrist. A licensed professional’s expertise is specifically geared toward treating anxiety disorders and other mental illnesses to help navigate the treatment option that’s right for you.
Treatments include psychotherapy, such as regularly consulting with a licensed professional therapist to talk through your anxiety symptoms. This can be very effective, especially Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) provides the resources and tools to manage your symptoms, like successful coping techniques, support groups, a more positive mindset, and breathing exercises. Other treatment options include treatment with anti-depressants and anti-anxiety medications.
Whether you take the route of regular counseling, cognitive behavioral therapy, or medication, you’ll be able to obtain the tools you need to manage your anxiety disorder successfully. If it’s hereditary, perhaps you can consult with a family member dealing with the same disorder and maybe even have them go with you to talk to a licensed mental health provider. The more support you have, the better, but remember, difficult roads lead to beautiful destinations, and remember you are not alone.
Final Thoughts
Anxiety disorders affect people of all ages and genders worldwide, yet women are two times more likely to develop these disorders than men. The gene variations of estrogen and testosterone receptors are primarily responsible for how the endocrine, sympathetic nervous, and parasympathetic systems work together to send signals to the brain that regulate emotions. Genetics should be considered as a possible factor. Having a predisposition to anxiety disorders such as generalized anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and panic disorders often plays a role.
Disclaimer: This article provides information that does not replace physician advice. Please contact your doctor if you have any questions or concerns.
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