Stress and hormones are common triggers for anxiety disorders. There is also a strong genetic predisposition, says Winston, that is independent of behavior that can be learned from an anxious family member, such as obsessive hand washing. People with a disorder often experience their first episodes of disabling anxiety during adolescence, after the loss of a job, or after the birth of a child.
Brooke Cooper, 27, of Selmer, Tenn., gave birth to a premature baby boy in the spring of 2007 and found herself in the throes of anxiety. Any mother would be worried, but she was obsessive. "I wouldn't even close my eyes, because I was scared. 'What if he stops breathing?' I had vivid images of going to his bassinet and see that he is not breathing. What if I trip and drop him?"
More about anxiety and depression
High risk of substance abuse
Research suggests that a combination of cognitive-behavioral therapy and medication can help control symptoms and lead to complete remission in some people.
Unfortunately, many people with anxiety disorders also drink or abuse prescription drugs to tamp down their symptoms, which can complicate treatment. "The connection between serious anxiety disorders and substance abuse is very high," says Winston. "Studies have shown that one-third of the people who have anxiety disorders struggle with substance abuse, and that one-third of substance abusers also have an anxiety disorder."
