What Causes Anxiety?
Experts believe that anxiety is caused by a blend of factors like brain chemistry, genes, life events, and personality. In this way, an anxiety disorder is like many other physical problems like heart disease and diabetes.
Have you been feeling anxious? If so, talk to your doctor. This feeling may be a side effect of a medicine that you are taking for another health problem. The following drugs can cause anxiety:
• Anticholinergic drugs for bladder, lung, or intestinal problems or for Parkinson's disease. These drugs include Artane (trihexyphenidyl), Cogentin (benztropine), and Benadryl (diphenhydramine)
• Appetite suppressants like ephedrine
• Drugs that contain caffeine like Excedrin or NoDoz
• Some drugs that are inhaled such as Albuterol
These health conditions also can be linked to agitation and anxiety:
• Heart arrhythmias
• The "three D's": delirium, dementia, or depression
• The "hypers" and "hypos": hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, hypoglycemia, and postural hypotension
• Pulmonary edema or pulmonary emboli
• Emphysema, bronchitis, or congestive heart failure
If you feel overly worried, fearful, or panicky, contact your doctor.
Next: Treatment Options
