What is anxiety disorder

 

Anxiety is a common and normal part of life. Many people are worried about their finances, health, or family. However, anxiety attacks and disorders are more than just temporary worry or anxiety. Anxiety doesn't disappear for those with an anxiety disorder and may worsen over time. The anxiety attack symptoms can hinder routine activities such as work performance, schoolwork, and relationships.

There are many types of anxiety disorders, such as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, and various phobia-related disorders.

 

Signs and Symptoms of Anxiety Disorder –

 

Generalized Anxiety Disorder –

Generalized anxiety disorder, commonly known as GAD, is an anxiety condition that typically involves constant anxiety or dread, which can cause problems in daily life. It's not the same as being anxious about something or having anxiety because of stressful situations. GAD sufferers have frequent anxiety attack symptoms and panic lasting several months or even years.

 The symptoms of GAD include:

· Feeling uneasy, irritable, or just a bit tense

· Feeling fatigued and tired

· Having difficulty concentrating

· Being irritable

· Feeling headaches, muscle pains, stomachaches, or unexplained pains

· Trouble controlling worry-related feelings

· Sleep problems that cause difficulty getting or staying asleep

 

Panic disorder –

People who have panic disorder suffer frequent and unexpected panic attacks. Panic attacks are sudden episodes of extreme fear, discomfort, or a feeling of losing control, even when no clear threat or trigger exists. It is not the case that everyone who experiences the symptoms of a panic attack develops a panic disorder.

During a panic attack, a person might be able to experience the following:

· Palpitations  

· Sweating

· A tingling or trembling sensation

· Chest pain

· The feeling of impending doom

· Feelings of being out of control

 

People with panic disorder frequently think about when their next attack might occur. They attempt to minimize the risk of the possibility of attacks in the future by avoiding locations such as situations, people, or things they believe trigger panic attacks. Panic attacks can often happen as many times per day or as little as a couple of times per year.

 

Social Anxiety Disorder –

Social anxiety disorder is a heightened and constant anxiety about being observed and judged by others. For those suffering from social anxiety disorder, anxiety about social situations can seem so intense that it feels out of control. For some, the fear can impede their ability to go to work, classes, or do normal things.

Social anxiety disorders can be affected by the following:

· The sensation of sweating, blushing, or shivering can be described as shaking

· Heart racing or pounding

· Stomachaches

· Body posture is rigid or speaking with an excessively soft voice

· Problems making eye contact or being in the presence of people they don't know

· Fear of being self-conscious or of being judged negatively

 

 

Risk factors –

 Researchers are discovering that environmental and genetic factors increase the risk of an anxiety disorder.

The risk factors associated with the various types of anxiety disorders are different for each kind of anxiety disorder. However, some general risk factors include:

· Feeling anxious or anxious in unfamiliar situations since childhood.

· Stress and negative environmental or life-related events

· Anxiety or mental disorder in the biological family

· Acute anxiety symptoms may be caused or worsened

· Certain physical health issues include thyroid issues or heart arrhythmias

· Caffeine or other substances/medications

If you believe you have anxiety disorders, a physical examination by a doctor could help them determine the symptoms you are experiencing and provide the best treatment.

 

Treatments

The treatment for anxiety disorders is usually by medication, psychotherapy, or both. There are various methods to treat anxiety, and it is recommended to consult an expert in healthcare to select the best option for you.

Psychotherapy –

Psychotherapy, or "talk therapy," can help those suffering from anxiety issues. For it to be effective, psychotherapy should be targeted at your particular concerns and customized to meet your requirements.

 

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy –

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a prime example of psychotherapy that can assist people suffering from anxiety issues. It can help people discover various methods of thinking, acting, and reacting to situations that help them feel less stressed and scared. CBT has been thoroughly researched and is considered the most effective form of psychotherapy.

 

Treatment for Acceptance, Commitment, and Completion

Another treatment option for anxiety disorders includes acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT). ACT uses a different method to address anxiety than CBT to combat negative thoughts. It utilizes the practice of mindfulness and goal-setting to decrease stress and discomfort. Comparatively, with CBT, ACT is a relatively new form of psychotherapy, meaning there is less data available regarding its efficacy.

Medication

Medicines do not cure anxiety disorders, but they can alleviate anxiety symptoms. Healthcare professionals like psychiatrists or primary care physicians may prescribe medications to treat anxiety. Certain states permit psychologists trained in a specific field to prescribe psychiatric drugs. The most commonly used medications to treat anxiety disorders are antidepressants, anti-anxiety drugs (benzodiazepines), and beta-blockers.

 

Antidepressants –

Antidepressants are prescribed to treat depression. However, they also can be beneficial in treating anxiety disorders. They could assist in improving the way that your brain processes certain chemicals that regulate mood or stress. You might need to try various antidepressant medications before you find one that eases your symptoms and has a few manageable side effects.

Antidepressants may take several weeks to begin working. It's crucial to give the drug an opportunity before determining its effectiveness.

 

Anti-anxiety medications –

Anti-anxiety medicines can ease anxiety-related symptoms or panic attacks. They can also help reduce excessive worry and fear. The most popular anti-anxiety medication are referred to as benzodiazepines. While benzodiazepines can be employed as the first-line treatment for generalized anxiety disorders, they also have benefits and disadvantages.

Benzodiazepines can be effective at relieving anxiety. They are also more effective than antidepressants. However, certain people develop tolerance to these drugs and require more significant and more doses to achieve the same results. Some even develop a dependence on these drugs.

 

Beta-blockers –

While beta-blockers are typically utilized to combat high blood pressure, beta-blockers also relieve mental symptoms associated with anxiety, including a fast heartbeat, shaking, trembling, and flushing. They can assist people in managing physical symptoms when used for brief intervals. They can also be utilized "as necessary" decrease anxiety that is acute as well as to avoid certain pre-determined forms of performance anxiety.

 

The Right Medicine –

Certain drugs might be better suited to certain types of anxiety disorder. Therefore, individuals should consult with their healthcare provider to determine the best medication for them. Certain substances like caffeine, over-the-counter cold medicine, illicit substances, and herbal supplements could worsen the effects of anxiety or interfere with prescription medication. Patients should consult an experienced healthcare professional to learn what substances are safe and what to avoid.

 

The right choice of dosage, medication and treatment plan must be handled under the supervision of an expert and be based on the individual's requirements and medical condition. You and your doctor could try different medications before you find the best one.

 

Support groups –

People with anxiety issues may benefit from joining a self-help support group and sharing their experiences and struggles with other people. Support groups can be found both in person as well as online. But, any advice you get from a group member must be used carefully and not substitute for the advice of a health medical professional.

 

Stress Management Techniques –

Techniques for managing stress, like mindfulness, exercise, and meditation, help to reduce anxiety and increase the efficacy of psychotherapy. You can learn more about how these strategies help your treatment with a doctor.

 

You can also seek support and help for your anxiety disorders from an expert right here.