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Research continues as to how the brain creates feelings of anxiety and fear. Scientists believe that an almond-shaped structure called the amygdala serves as a central location that coordinates messages between the parts of the brain that process incoming sensory signals and the parts that interpret those signals. The amygdala warns the body when a threat is present, triggering anxiety or fear.

Another brain structure called the hippocampus also helps process threatening signals and changes information into memories. Research shows that people who have experienced severe stress (such as child abuse or combat) appear to have a smaller hippocampus than people who have not experienced such stresses.

A single stressful event – such as an impending athletic competition or the approach of a major storm – can trigger temporary anxiety in a child. This is a normal reaction that usually turns into relief once the event is over.

However, some children experience a level of ongoing anxiety that has the potential to interfere with their daily lives. The source of this anxiety is not always apparent. In some cases, family difficulties – such as marital strain, financial difficulties, parental alcoholism or illness of a family member – may create an atmosphere of tension that breeds anxiety. 

The exact cause of most anxiety disorders is unknown, but a combination of psychological, biological and environmental factors may be responsible. Heredity is also believed to play a role in many anxiety disorders. The combination of heredity and the anxiety experienced may vary.

For example, many people may experience the same trauma during combat, but not all develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Most anxiety disorders begin in childhood, adolescence or early adulthood.