Portland, Maine Anxiety Treatment Center

Causes of Anxiety & Stress Disorders

Several factors affecting our mental well-being play a role in causing anxiety and stress disorders. Past and present experiences significantly shape an individual’s vulnerability to these disorders. When environmental stressors and traumatic events come into play, anxiety and stress tend to intensify. Genetic predispositions also contribute to the likelihood of experiencing these disorders. Additionally, people notice societal pressures, such as high expectations and the constant demand for connectivity, which further influence stress-related disorders.

The primary variables of biological, psychological, and environmental factors underscore the diversity in the causes of anxiety and stress disorders. Recognizing this wide range of influences is crucial for pinpointing what triggers and worsens these disorders, enabling the development of focused and comprehensive interventions.

Common Symptoms of Anxiety Disorders

Here are the common symptoms identified with the following anxiety disorders: 

Generalized Anxiety Disorder

• Excessive worry about various aspects of life, including health, work, and relationships.
• Restlessness, feeling on edge, or being easily fatigued.
• Difficulty concentrating and mind going blank.
• Muscle tension and sleep disturbances.

Panic Disorder

• Sudden and intense episodes of fear or panic often accompanied by physical symptoms.
• Shortness of breath, heart palpitations, and chest pain.
• Sweating, trembling, and feeling dizzy or lightheaded.
• Fear of losing control or impending doom.

Social Anxiety Disorder

• Intense fear of social situations and scrutiny by others.
• Avoidance of social interactions or enduring them with significant distress.
• Physical symptoms such as blushing, sweating, and trembling in social settings.
• Fear of negative evaluation and low self-esteem in social situations.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

• Intrusive thoughts, memories, or nightmares related to a traumatic event.
• Avoidance of reminders of the trauma and emotional numbing.
• Hyperarousal, including irritability, difficulty sleeping, and being easily startled.
• Negative changes in mood and cognition, such as persistent negative beliefs and distorted self-blame.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

• Obsessions: Intrusive, unwanted, and distressing thoughts.
• Compulsions: Repetitive behaviors or mental acts performed to reduce anxiety.
• Fear of catastrophic consequences if compulsions are not performed.
• Significant time spent on obsessions and compulsions, interfering with daily life.

Specific Phobias

• Intense fear and avoidance of specific objects, situations, or activities.
• Immediate anxiety or panic when confronted with the phobic stimulus.
• Recognizing that the fear is excessive but feeling powerless to control it.
• Impact on daily life and well-being due to avoidance behaviors.

Types of Anxiety & Mood Disorders

In the world of mental health, various types of anxiety and mood disorders can impact individuals’ well-being. Some of the more common and broad categories of anxiety disorders include: Generalized Stress Disorder, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Social Anxiety Disorder, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and Adjustment Disorders. 

Generalized Stress Disorder

Generalized Stress Disorder is characterized by persistent and excessive worry about various aspects of life, even when there is little or no reason for concern. Unique to Generalized Stress Disorder is the generalized nature of anxiety, extending beyond specific triggers. Common symptoms include muscle tension, restlessness, and difficulty concentrating. This disorder can impact daily functioning and diminish overall quality of life.

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder involves the presence of intrusive, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors or thoughts (compulsions) aimed at reducing the anxiety caused by these obsessions. What makes OCD unique is the cycle of obsessions and compulsions that individuals feel compelled to complete. Common symptoms include time-consuming rituals, checking behaviors, and heightened anxiety. OCD can profoundly disrupt daily activities and cause significant distress. 

Social Anxiety Disorder

Social Anxiety Disorder is characterized by an intense fear of social situations, where individuals fear judgment or embarrassment. Unique to Social Anxiety Disorder is the fear of scrutiny or negative evaluation by others. Common symptoms include physical manifestations like blushing, trembling, and nausea, leading to avoiding social interactions. This disorder hinders relationships, limits social and professional opportunities, and causes emotional distress. 

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder develops after exposure to a traumatic event, such as combat, abuse, assault, or natural disaster. What makes PTSD unique is the presence of intrusive memories, nightmares, and heightened arousal. Common symptoms include avoidance of trauma reminders and negative changes in mood and cognition. PTSD impairs daily functioning, strains relationships, and causes emotional turmoil. 

Adjustment Disorders

Adjustment Disorders occur in response to a significant life stressor, such as divorce, job loss, or illness. What is unique about Adjustment Disorders is that a life-changing event must occur. Common symptoms include emotional distress, difficulty concentrating, and changes in behavior. Adjustment Disorders create challenges in adapting to the life stressor, but unlike other disorders, the symptoms typically resolve once the stressor is addressed or the individual adapts to the new situation.