Final answer:
Yes, stress is an environmental factor that contributes to anxiety disorders. It impacts the body's stress response systems, potentially leading to psychological conditions such as anxiety and major depressive disorder when chronic and uncontrollable.
Step-by-step explanation:
The assertion that stress is an environmental factor contributing to anxiety disorders is true. Research indicates that environmental stress can affect the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and the release of corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), which are involved in the body's stress response. Chronic, uncontrollable stress may lead to the onset of major depressive disorder (MDD) and increase vulnerability to psychological conditions. Moreover, literature suggests that stress-induced alterations in neurotransmitter systems, like noradrenaline, may further contribute to anxiety and depression. Therefore, the management of stress through coping strategies and recognizing the personal perceptions of stressful events are critical aspects in preventing and treating anxiety and related disorders.