What Are Anxiety Disorders?
People with anxiety disorders experience anxieties and fears that are out of proportion to a specific situation or in the case of generalized anxiety disorder, about many different situations. They also experience difficulty in controlling these symptoms.
The symptoms of anxiety disorders typically start in childhood. The cause of anxiety disorders is not known. However, genes and life experiences could be a factor.
Signs and symptoms
While everyone feels anxious at times the constant worry and fear that is hard to manage and interferes with daily life may be a sign of an anxiety disorder. Anxiety disorders include generalized anxiety (GAD), panic, obsessive compulsive disorder and specific fears.
People suffering from GAD suffer from overwhelming and uncontrollable feelings of anxiety most of the time. They may have trouble concentrating and may be constantly concerned about health, money or work. The symptoms of panic disorder include brief, intense moments of discomfort or fear that occur without warning and may cause symptoms like chest pain heart palpitations, difficulty breathing, or dizziness. People with phobias have a fear of certain things or situations, or even places. Examples include spiders, heights or enclosed spaces. OCD is defined by the repetition of compulsive behaviors that are used to cope with anxiety and decrease the feelings of tension. Those with post-traumatic stress disorder are having trouble letting go of upsetting and frightening memories, which can trigger nightmares and flashbacks.
The causes of anxiety disorders aren't fully known, but they could have a number of causes. Some research suggests that both genetics and the environment of the individual are crucial. For example, generalized anxiety disorder is more likely to be passed down through families, and traumatizing or stressful experiences in childhood increase the chance of developing an anxiety disorder. People with chronic medical illnesses and those who abuse alcohol or drugs are more likely to suffer from an anxiety disorder.
The positive side is that many anxiety disorders respond well to treatment. Psychotherapy, or talk therapy, and medications can help ease the symptoms of anxiety disorders. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a kind of psychotherapy that teaches people to think and behave in a manner that makes them feel less anxious. The use of medications, like beta-blockers and medications for anxiety that are used to treat high blood pressure, can alleviate physical symptoms such as a shaking or rapid heartbeat. A healthcare provider will determine the most effective medication and dosage for each person. Early treatment can make anxiety disorders less difficult.
Diagnosis
People are often anxious at times, for instance, prior to giving the speech or taking a test. When those feelings are persistent and excessive, irrational and interfere with daily life it could be an indication that you have an anxiety disorder.
A mental health professional will diagnose anxiety disorders using the criteria found in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. They will inquire about your symptoms and when they began and how long they lasted, if they are getting worse, or how they impact your life. They will also check for other conditions that could cause similar symptoms, such as thyroid or depression.
Different anxiety disorders have distinct symptoms. Your doctor will determine which one is causing your issues and create a treatment plan. This could include medication, psychotherapy, or both.
Certain individuals are at a higher chance of developing an anxiety disorder than others. This includes people with an ancestral history of anxiety or other mental health conditions and children who are exposed to or witness traumatic events and those suffering from certain medical conditions, such as systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis or sleep apnea. It is also more common for anxiety to be associated with other physical or mental ailments like depression or heart disease.
People suffering from anxiety disorders typically struggle to admit they have a problem, or seeking treatment. This is often due to stigmatization, a lack of awareness that anxiety disorder is an illness that can be treated or the lack of access.
Anxiety disorders can be difficult to treat, but with right treatment, many people get better. Talk to your doctor about how you can manage anxiety and stick to your treatment program. Take your medication as prescribed, and take part in all therapy sessions. Avoid drinking alcohol and smoking cigarettes as they can exacerbate anxiety symptoms. Be open with your family and friends and join a group of people who have the same condition. This will help you cope and share tips. Involve your loved ones in your treatment plan, and attempt to stop the cycle of worry by spending more time doing things you love like activities or sports.
Treatment
Certain kinds of anxiety conditions can be treated with psychotherapy, medication and complementary health methods. Antidepressants and other benzodiazepines are used to treat anxiety. Some people may have to test a variety of medications before they find one that is effective for them. Caffeine, a variety of over-the-counter or prescription drugs, illicit substances and herbal supplements can increase anxiety symptoms or interact with prescription medications. It is important to discuss any changes in their use of drugs with a physician.
Treatment for anxiety disorders often requires an amalgamation of therapy and medication. Therapy can help you manage your symptoms and work on changing your negative beliefs and thoughts that fuel your anxiety. Therapy can also assist with relaxation and stress-reduction methods, such as deep muscular relaxation meditation, breathing, and deep relaxation exercises.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is one of the most effective treatments for anxiety. It helps you learn to think and behave in a way that reduces anxiety. It may also include exposure therapy, which involves gradually confronting the things that trigger your anxiety. It may also incorporate complementary health approaches such as acupuncture meditation and exercise.
If you are suffering from severe anxiety, a doctor can prescribe a short-term treatment of benzodiazepines, which can be used quickly to calm your symptoms. If you're having suicidal thoughts, you must be examined in the emergency department.
Medicines can help ease the symptoms of anxiety disorders, but they are not a cure. They cannot eliminate the root reason for your symptoms, so they should be taken on a regular basis. Some of the most effective treatments for anxiety disorders combine psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy like cognitive behavioral therapy or exposure therapy.
You can reduce anxiety symptoms by regularly exercising and eating healthy meals, as well as drinking alcohol in moderation. Smoking cigarettes and getting enough sleep can aid in reducing anxiety. Social connections are essential to avoid loneliness and anxiety symptoms. You can find a Therapist in your area by searching the ADAA's Find-a-Therapist database. types of anxiety disorders can also visit BetterHelp, an online therapy platform which matches you with a licensed therapist for as little as $49 per session.
Prevention
As humans we are programmed to feel anxious and fear in certain situations. Our bodies prepare us to fight off or flee any threat. If these feelings persist and begin to interfere with our daily lives they are referred to as anxiety disorders. Anxiety symptoms are caused by a variety of causes, such as genetics, stress and trauma.
Treatment is available for many patients suffering from anxiety disorders. The first step is to speak with your primary care physician about your symptoms. Your doctor will review your health and refer you to mental health professionals should it be necessary.
The most effective treatments for anxiety disorders is psychotherapy and medications. Talk therapy can teach you how to control your emotions and modify negative thought patterns that contribute to anxiety. The use of medications can reduce your symptoms and make it easier to focus on healthy habits. A few examples of medications that treat anxiety include antidepressants, beta blockers, and benzodiazepines.
Relaxation techniques such as meditation and deep breathing can help to reduce anxiety. Avoiding substances that affect your mood, such as caffeine, can help. In addition, exercising regularly can help reduce stress levels. Try to make more friends or find a new hobby when you're struggling to cope with your anxiety.
It is important to remember that anxiety disorders typically start in childhood or adolescence, and they tend to be a part of families. Some people who have been through a difficult time in their lives, such as childhood abuse or severe loss, may be at greater chance of developing an anxiety disorder.
The USPSTF recommends that adults as well as postpartum and pregnant women be screened for anxiety disorders. Those at higher risk of developing an anxiety disorder should be assessed on a case-by-case basis, taking into account their individual risks and benefits. In the absence evidence regarding the optimal frequency of screening doctors are advised to use their judgment while assessing a person's risk factors, comorbid conditions and life events to determine if additional screening is warranted.