What Causes GAD?
Like other complex medical illnesses, such as heart disease and diabetes, the exact causes of generalized anxiety disorder, or GAD, are difficult to explain. Research suggests that environmental and genetic factors may make a person more likely to develop the disorder. GAD may be caused by an imbalance of certain chemicals in the brain, particularly two neurotransmitters, called dopamine and serotonin, which are believed to regulate mood and behavior. Depression and/or other anxiety disorders are also common in people with GAD. The good news is that GAD is highly treatable.
The exact cause of GAD is not fully known, but a number of factors — including genetics, brain chemistry and environmental stresses — appear to contribute to its development. • Genetics: Some research suggests that family history plays a part in increasing the likelihood that a person will develop GAD. This means that the tendency to develop GAD may be passed on in families. • Brain chemistry: GAD has been associated with abnormal levels of certain neurotransmitters in the brain. Neurotransmitters are special chemical messengers that help move information from nerve cell to nerve cell. If the neurotransmitters are out of balance, messages cannot get through the brain properly. This can alter the way the brain reacts in certain situations, leading to anxiety. • Environmental factors: Trauma and stressful events, such as abuse, the death of a loved one, divorce, changing jobs or schools, may lead to GAD. GAD also may become worse during periods of stress. The use of and withdrawal from
