Causes of Anxiety and Panic Disorders
One of the biggest questions asked by psychopathologists is what causes emotional and behavioural disorders. The answer may ultimately lead to developing preventative interventions that reduce the likelihood of the disorder ever occurring.
Understanding Anxiety and Panic Disorders
Exploring the developmental and environmental causes of anxiety and panic disorders is essential. When childhood anxiety and stress are placed within a life-trajectory model, the outcomes are often predictable. Children who experience trauma or stress are more likely to face lifelong challenges, including depression, anxiety, and potential panic disorders. Abused or neglected children may also experience developmental delays in cognitive, language, motor, and social skills, often displaying complex and fluctuating symptoms.
Cultural Considerations
Anxiety disorders are common across cultures; however, the expression and interpretation of these disorders vary significantly due to cultural standards and interaction patterns. This variability, combined with anxiety’s overlap with other mental health conditions, makes cross-cultural comparisons challenging.
Genetics and Family History
Research on anxiety within families suggests a genetic link, as children with parents who have anxiety or depression face a four- to eightfold increased risk of developing anxiety themselves. Children of parents with depression are at greater risk for both depression and anxiety. When children grow up in environments with unmanaged stress, such as family dysfunction or violence, they may struggle to organize their experiences, increasing their risk of anxiety and panic disorders.
Treatment for Anxiety and Panic Disorders
If you are experiencing panic attacks, it’s essential to consult a doctor to rule out any underlying medical conditions. Once physical causes are ruled out, you can explore treatment options like therapy or medication.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is strongly supported for treating anxiety and panic disorders. However, in our experience, effective treatment often requires a tailored approach. For many, a combination of CBT, hypnotherapy, and psychotherapy yields better results than CBT alone. Other approaches, such as Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), are also effective, especially when combined with hypnotherapy.