Other factors are not having skills to deal with emotional feelings such as anger (within self or others), grief, feelings of abandonment, helplessness, hopelessness. Our self-connectedness (esteem) may be not at a healthy level and we may feel less than other people. We look out at the world and see people who "seem" to be doing OK. We wish we were more like them. We say to ourselves "why can't I be more like them?"

Overall, the way we walk through life can be a big factor. If we are tensed up against life it will take a toll on our cognitive/ emotional/ physical life. If we resist and tense up, can't let go it is going to take an effect one way or the other.

A Hereditary Predisposition

Once again, this is a very valid "theory". It is not uncommon for someone to develop an Anxiety Disorder and then look at other members of their family tree and see that they also have an Anxiety Disorder.

Philip was attending the first Anxiety Management session. The facilitator was mentioning the hereditary predisposition theory to the group. "The mechanism of having a panic attack may have a hereditary predisposition. That is, if you experience a panic attack, then maybe you may see somewhere in the family tree that others experience panic attacks. Now that doesn't mean they will all go on to develop Panic Disorder. It is the way we react to the panic attack that is the problem. Some people experience a panic attack and then just let it go; never getting into the fear cycle. So, it is the panic attack that has the hereditary predisposition, not the Panic Disorder."

Philip thought about this. His mother certainly had never gone out much, always under the cover of child-rearing and sometimes she locked herself in the bathroom for hours. He knew she had taken "Mother's little helpers" (Valium). Could it be? Certainly he felt isolated in this Disorder. If his mother also had the Disorder, imagine how she must be feeling?

Much has been made of learned behaviors. If my father or mother had an Anxiety Disorder, then perhaps I learned certain behavioral traits that also led me to have an Anxiety Disorder? Certainly, we learn how to deal with emotional states from our parents. How to deal with anger, grief, problem solving, relationship skills. All of these and more. They are a major influence in our life. But we also have other influences in our life too. It is not that black and white.

The answer to the question is: I don't know. It is for each and every one of us to look into our own "secret past" and see perhaps if this was a factor. Regardless of this, we can still recover, learn new techniques and skills that we can use within our own life. After all, this is YOUR life, not someone else's. If you find a behavior or quirk that may need modification, then do it.

Thomas had never disclosed to anyone about his Anxiety Disorder. As far as he was concerned, no one had the slightest idea. Thomas found his way onto the road to recovery, a tough and jagged road. But still he saw the freedom at the end of the path. The more he recovered, the more he recognized the insidious Anxiety Disorder in those around him. He was astounded to see that his mother and both of his sisters were sitting on their secret. He decided to open up and confide about his experience. His mother and one of his sisters were shocked at the discovery - they both admitted that they experienced panic attacks too. His other sister however denied categorically that she had an Anxiety Disorder. Thomas assisted his mother and sister to get the appropriate help. Unfortunately, his other sister sank deeper into avoidance and denial.

A Chemical Imbalance

This is the theory that I hear most commonly from clients. Their doctors or specialists had explained the theory to them as to the cause of their Anxiety or Depression or panic attacks. Once again, it is this theory that makes it very difficult, in a sense, for us to get the person into the "attitude" of "I can recover."

It is unfortunate because there is obviously much research and study made into this particular theory. The people doing the research are genuinely interested in finding a solution to people's dreadful suffering. Unfortunately, it is also the theory that can stop some people from doing anything. If I have a chemical imbalance of the brain then it is outside of my control. I need to take a chemical to fix the balance, i.e.., medication. I have nothing against medication, but only short-term. As Chris Edwards says in his interview, anything from playing tennis to anger can change the chemical balance within our brain. You can change the chemical balance by taking medication or you can have the same effect by changing thinking. Long-term, it is more beneficial for us to take Control of our own lives. But that is just my "opinion". You must make up you own mind as to what is most beneficial for you.

Something to consider, The chicken or the egg came first? The chemical imbalance or the Anxiety Disorder came first? It doesn't matter, if there are techniques available for you to recover now, that is all that matters. Take the Power back. Seize it with your own hands.

Other Causes/ factors

Taking of un-prescribed drugs - marijuana, LSD etc. Many people I have seen had their first panic attack after using marijuana which led to full on Panic Disorder.

Allergies - allergies can create a quagmire of symptoms within our system and can lead to an Anxiety Disorder.

Mercury teeth fillings - this is another theory that I have heard by many people but have not seen personally the analysis.

next: Secondary Conditions