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There has been found to be a higher rate of anxiety disorders (panic) in identical twins than in fraternal twins which may indicate a genetic or inherited component in some anxiety disorders.
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Anxiety is a natural human reaction to life's stressful events. It often conjures up strange, overwhelming physical symptoms, but if it doesn't happen too regularly it can usually be dealt with. If, however, anxiety begins to affect a person's day-to-day level of functioning, this is when it is essential to take a closer look at the roots and possible triggers of anxiety.
Excess anxiety can stem from any combination of a varied number of factors: predispositions a person carries in his or her genetic code, behaviors learned from childhood role models, difficult life events that have worn down the ability to cope, and overall personality traits. Characteristics like low self-esteem, perfectionism, the need to please others, tendencies towards obsessions, and an overpowering desire for control can all contribute to a debilitating sense of anxiety. In addition, anxiety often creates a vicious cycle - when a person begins to worry about something, it triggers physical symptoms like headaches and tense muscles, which often results in further unease. The anxiety can build up until just the thought of completing the stress-inducing task causes both a powerful emotional and physical reaction. Phobias, for example, are a common form of anxiety.
In some cases, anxiety becomes so extreme that the individual suffers from GAD (Generalized Anxiety Disorder). In fact, almost 14% of the general population suffers from an anxiety disorder. Quite frequent as well is Panic Disorder, characterized by hyperventilation, heart palpitations, tingling sensations, dizziness, and chest pains. Sufferers live in a continuous state of apprehension and anticipation of something horrible, characterized by excessive anxiety and unrealistic worry.
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