There are biological and environmental risk factors for general anxiety disorder. GAD risk factors include the following:
- Environmental stressors (e.g., work, school, relationships)
- Genetics
- Sleep deprivation, sleep inconsistency
Stressful situations in the following areas can intensify symptoms of general anxiety disorder:
- Financial concerns
- Health
- Relationships
- School problems
- Work problems
Research has shown a 20% risk for GAD in blood relatives of people with the disorder and a 10% risk among relatives of people with depression. There also seems to be a correlation between GAD and other psychiatric disorders, including depression, phobia disorder, and panic disorder. Anxiety is a risk factor for sleep disorders such as insomnia.
Physician-developed and -monitored.
Original Date of Publication: 03 May 2001
Reviewed by: Debra Emmite, M.D., Stanley J. Swierzewski, III, M.D.
Last Reviewed: 31 Mar 2008
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