Although most doctors agree that individual brain chemistry, genetics, and environmental stress are often contributing factors, determining the exact cause of your anxiety may be difficult.
While medication can temporarily alleviate many of the symptoms, the only cause it addresses is chemical imbalance.
Medication combined with therapy can help most sufferers achieve a more normal, happier life.
When there is a chemical imbalance in the brain, the chemicals (called neurotransmitters) used by the brain to send messages nerve to nerve can garble the messages.
The reaction to this is often anxiety.
Medication is required to restore chemical balance.
Follow the doctor's recommendations exactly.
The tendency toward anxiety is often inherited, bringing genetics into play.
If you have a family history that includes anxiety, you are more susceptible to the disorder than someone whose family does not share that type of history.
Anxiety can be caused by a traumatic event (post traumatic stress), such as the loss of a loved one, divorce, work, or relationship problems.
This is particularly true if your situation includes either of the above items, but still applies to every person alive.
Withdrawal from addictive substances (caffeine, nicotine, LSD, amphetamines, ecstasy, cannabis or prescriptions) can also cause anxiety.
If the tendency in your family leans toward anxiety, you need to avoid becoming addicted to anything.
With so many possible causes, it is understandable if the exact cause of your problem cannot be pinpointed.
Finding the right combination of relaxation techniques, exercise, diet, medication, and therapy may be difficult, but the rewards are great.
You are worth the time and effort.