It is still not known what causes anxiety disorders.   Many experts from different disciplines do not agree on whether the causes are genetical or behavioural.  Physiological researchers suspect a chemical imbalance in the brain is present in sufferers of anxiety attacks.   However, whether this chemical imbalance is the cause of the attacks or a result of them.   

A genetic pre-disposition has been noted, as anxiety orders have been found to run in families.  To the contrary this could be down to environmental reasons rather than genetic ones.  Behaviourists believe the condition stems from behaviours which have been learnt, psycho-analysts favour the view that the condition is as a result of unresolved issues in the past.  

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Long story short I’ve had a very hard pregnancy due to having anxiety. I can only take a very small dose of medication which helps only a little. With my anxiety I have health anxiety so I’m nervous everytime I feel even the slightest bit dizzy etc etc. Do any of you out there deal with somewhat the same thing? How do you handle it especially now being pregnant? Its made this pregnancy miserable for me. I basically have myself on bed rest because of my anxiety. (I don’t like to be alone so when I am I tend to lie in bed all day unless I go into my mom’s while my husband works.) Any advice would be greatly appreciated?

Its just difficult because the symptoms I feel from anxiety (dizziness, shakiness, some depression.) Makes me think somethings going wrong with the pregnancy even though I know its most likely my anxiety.. I don’t eat as well as I should etc. Again any help is appreciated. Thank you.

I currently suffer from generalised anxiety disorder and am in my 22nd week of pregnancy. I’m constantly tense and anxious and find it hard to relax. Although I don’t get panick attacks any more & am sleeping well, I am really worried that my anxiety will harm my baby or something might happen because I am so tense.

Stress can be a major contributor to an anxiety or panic condition or the trigger that will start anxiety disorders. For many people who have personalities that are predisposed to anxiety, stressful events or the accumulation of stressful events over a relatively short period of time can lead to anxiety symptoms.

As our economy becomes increasingly perilous, more and more people are struggling with anxiety. You are not alone! Millions of Americans are grappling with panic attacks, extreme anxiety and the negative effects of these conditions. The symptoms can be frightening and contribute to depression and more trouble with your job or family. 
 
To determine whether your stress load has become too much, think back over the past year or two of your life. Think about the events or changes in your life that may have contributed to your stress level. Individual events or changes may not have been overwhelming by themselves but when they are coupled with other events, the cumulative effect may be major.  

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