Generalized anxiety disorder

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Causes

By Mayo Clinic staff

As with many mental health conditions, what causes generalized anxiety disorder isn't fully understood. It may involve naturally occurring brain chemicals (neurotransmitters), such as serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine. It's likely that the condition has several causes that may include genetics, your environment and stress.

References
  1. Generalized anxiety disorder (includes overanxious anxiety disorder of childhood). In: Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders DSM-IV-TR. 4th ed. Arlington, Va.: American Psychiatric Association; 2000. http://www.psychiatryonline.com. Accessed Aug. 13, 2009.
  2. Ciechanowski P, et al. Overview of generalized anxiety disorder. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Aug. 13, 2009.
  3. McGregor JC. Anxiety disorders. In: Rakel RE, et al. Conn's Current Therapy. Philadelphia, Pa.: Elsevier. 2008, 60th ed. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/154207005-3/0/1621/552.html?tocnode=54637790&fromURL=552.html#4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-4435-2..50280-6_4453. Accessed Aug. 13, 2009.
  4. Lee RA. Anxiety disorders. In: Rakel D. Integrative Medicine. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/154207005-3/0/1494/57.html?tocnode=54111716&fromURL=57.html#4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-2954-0..50014-4_229. Accessed Aug. 13, 2009.

DS00502

Sept. 11, 2009

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