Causes of Generalised Anxiety Disorder
The causes of generalised anxiety disorder are complex and not fully understood. Generalised anxiety disorder is believed to arise from a combination of genetic, environmental, psychological, and neurological factors. No single cause explains why some people develop GAD while others do not, but several contributing elements have been identified that may increase a person’s risk.
Genetic Predisposition
Genetics play a significant role in the development of generalised anxiety disorder. Studies have shown that anxiety disorders can run in families, suggesting a hereditary component. Individuals with a close relative (such as a parent or sibling) who has an anxiety disorder are more likely to develop one themselves. However, genetics alone do not determine someone’s fate — they simply increase vulnerability.
It’s also important to note that inherited traits may influence personality characteristics, such as being more emotionally sensitive or having a tendency toward perfectionism. These personality traits, in turn, can make someone more susceptible to developing GAD in the face of life stressors.
Brain Chemistry and Neurological Factors
Neurotransmitters — chemical messengers in the brain — play a crucial role in regulating mood and anxiety. In people with GAD, the functioning of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine, and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) may be disrupted. GABA, in particular, is responsible for calming brain activity and helping people feel relaxed. Low levels of GABA can result in increased nervous system activity and heightened feelings of worry or tension.
Functional imaging studies have also revealed differences in certain brain regions associated with emotion processing, such as the amygdala and prefrontal cortex. These changes may affect how the brain responds to perceived threats or uncertain situations, leading to the constant state of worry seen in GAD.
Environmental Stressors and Life Experiences
Stressful life events are common triggers for the onset of generalised anxiety disorder. These can include:
Childhood trauma or neglect
Abusive relationships
The death of a loved one
Chronic illness
Financial hardship or job insecurity
Ongoing exposure to highly demanding environments
People who grow up in households where safety or emotional stability was lacking may learn to interpret the world as unpredictable or threatening. This worldview can shape their coping mechanisms, leaving them more prone to chronic worry later in life.
Long-term stress can also change the body’s physiological response to anxiety, keeping the nervous system in a state of heightened alertness. Over time, this contributes to the persistent symptoms of GAD.
Personality and Cognitive Factors
Certain personality types may be more likely to develop GAD. Individuals who are naturally more cautious, self-critical, or sensitive to stress tend to have a lower threshold for anxiety. Likewise, perfectionists or people with a strong need for control may struggle more with uncertainty — a hallmark trait of generalised anxiety disorder.
Cognitive patterns such as catastrophising, overgeneralising, or ruminating on potential negative outcomes also play a role. These unhelpful thinking styles can reinforce anxious behaviours and make it harder to break the cycle of worry.
Coexisting Conditions
GAD often occurs alongside other mental health issues, such as:
Depression
Panic disorder
Social anxiety
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
It may also develop in response to long-term physical conditions such as chronic pain, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), or cardiovascular disease. This connection between physical and emotional health highlights the importance of integrated care.
Causes of Generalised Anxiety Disorder
Understanding the causes of generalised anxiety disorder allows healthcare providers and individuals to recognise risk factors early and seek appropriate intervention, whether through therapy, lifestyle adjustments, or medical treatment.
