Individual Factors

Elevated but Subsyndromal Anxiety Symptoms

Increased risk of developing full-blown disorder in next two years if elevated symptoms are already present

Behavioral Inhibition (Temperament)

Tendency to avoid novel stimuli and experiences; excessive shyness in response to new people

Anxiety Sensitivity

Tendency to interpret physiological sensations of anxiety as threatening and of themselves

Cognitive Factors

Avoidant coping style, low perceived control

Family Factors

Parenting

Insecure attachment, possibly interacting w/ behaviorally inhibited temperament

Parent–Child Interactions

Parental tendency to suggest avoidant problem-solving strategies; overinvolvement & overprotection in response to child’s fears; poor modeling of coping responses

Peer, School, & Community Factors

Smoking

Association with panic disorder in particular

Alcohol & Other Drug Use

Elevates other risk factors (e.g., motor vehicle accidents), may also elevate risk in and of itself

Gang Affiliation/Criminal Behavior

Exposure to traumatic events, commission of interpersonal violence

Trauma Exposure

Experiencing a Criterion A trauma increases the risk for PTSD and other anxiety symptoms, perhaps especially in those who are already vulnerable or in response to certain traumas regardless (e.g., sexual assault)

Poor Social Support

Associated with more symptoms and poorer outcomes in adults, possibly a mediating factor