Etiology of Anxiety Disorders: The Role of Genetic and Environmental Factors


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Authors

  • Serkan NACAK Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart Üniversitesi

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.15709534

Keywords:

Dissociation, dissociation disorders, dissociative identity disorder, review article.

Abstract

The etiology of anxiety disorders is shaped by a complex biological, genetic and environmental interaction. In this context, the study will investigate how genetic factors and environmental stressors work together to determine how individuals' predisposition to anxiety disorders is shaped. The role of genetic factors has been largely explained by twin and family studies. These studies have revealed that anxiety disorders show a familial predisposition and that genetic variations play an important role in the development of these disorders. Genetic factors related to neurotransmitter systems such as serotonin, dopamine and GABA in particular may pave the way for the emergence of anxiety disorders. Genetic variations may affect individuals' sensitivity to environmental stressors, and this may be an important factor in the development of anxiety disorders.

The effect of environmental factors has been associated with negative effects, especially those resulting from stressful life events, traumas and childhood experiences. Negative relationships within the family, traumas experienced at an early age and lack of support in the social environment may increase individuals' predisposition to anxiety disorders. While examining the effect of environmental factors on anxiety disorders, the study will also address the role of individuals' psychological resilience, coping mechanisms and social support systems in this process. In particular, traumatic life events and childhood experiences can increase individuals' predisposition to anxiety disorders.

Another important focus is the interaction of genetic and environmental factors. The study will examine how these factors affect each other and how both factors come together to lead to the development of anxiety disorders. Genetic predisposition, combined with environmental factors, can significantly increase individuals' risk of developing anxiety disorders. For example, an individual who is genetically predisposed to anxiety disorders may be at higher risk when faced with an environmental stressor.

The main purpose of the study is to understand the effects of genetic and environmental factors on anxiety disorders and to provide information about the place of this interaction in treatment processes. Developing personalized approaches to the treatment of anxiety disorders can make the treatment process more effective. In this context, determining the role of genetic and environmental factors is an important step that will allow the creation of individual treatment strategies. In addition, the development of early intervention strategies and approaches to the prevention of anxiety disorders can be designed more healthily and effectively in the light of the data obtained from such studies. The study aims to explain the role of genetic predisposition and environmental factors in the development of anxiety disorders and how these factors interact by compiling scientific research in the literature.

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Published

2025-06-20

How to Cite

NACAK, S. (2025). Etiology of Anxiety Disorders: The Role of Genetic and Environmental Factors. ASES INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HEALTH AND SPORTS SCIENCES (ISSN: 3023-5723), 3(1), 172–189. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.15709534