What Are Anxiety Disorders?

top-doctors-logo.pngPeople suffering from anxiety disorders have fears and worries that are out of proportion to a particular situation or in the case of generalized anxiety disorder, about many different situations. They also have trouble controlling these symptoms.

iampsychiatry-logo-wide.pngThe symptoms of anxiety disorders manifest in the early years of childhood. The reason for this is not known, but genes and life events may play a role.

Symptoms

Everyone experiences anxiety from time to time, ongoing excessive worry and fear that is difficult to manage and causes disruption to daily life may be an indication of an anxiety disorder. Anxiety disorders can include generalized anxiety (GAD) and panic. They can also be a sign of obsessive-compulsive disorder and fears.

People suffering from GAD experience uncontrollable and overwhelming feelings of anxiety all the time. They may experience difficulty concentrating and may be constantly worried about their health, finances or work. Panic disorder is defined as brief, intense moments of discomfort and fear that can occur without warning. Signs of the disorder include chest pain or palpitations, breathing issues, or dizziness. People who suffer from phobias have fears of certain objects, situations, or places. Examples include spiders, heights or enclosed spaces. People with OCD have repetitive, compulsive behaviors as a means to manage their anxiety and reducing the associated feeling of discomfort or tension. Post-traumatic stress disorder is characterized by a struggle to let go of disturbing, frightening memories. This can trigger nightmares and flashbacks.

The causes of anxiety disorders are not fully understood, but they likely involve a combination of factors. Certain studies suggest that a person's genetics and environment are both significant. For instance generalized anxiety disorder tends run in families, and traumatizing or stressful experiences during childhood can increase the likelihood of developing an anxiety disorder. People with chronic medical illnesses and those who use alcohol or other drugs are more likely to develop an anxiety disorder.

The majority of anxiety disorders are well when treated. Therapy and medications can help ease the symptoms of anxiety disorders. Psychotherapy, like cognitive behavioral therapy, teaches people new ways of thinking and reacting that can help them feel less anxious. Medications, such as beta-blockers and medications for anxiety, which are used to treat high blood pressure, can alleviate physical symptoms such as a rapid heartbeat or shaking. A healthcare provider will determine the best dosage and medication for each person. Early intervention can make anxiety disorders easier to manage.

Diagnosis

A majority of people feel anxious at certain points, for instance prior to presenting a speech or taking tests. When those feelings are persistent and excessive, irrational, and affect your daily routine it could be a sign that you have an anxiety disorder.

A mental health specialist will determine whether you suffer from anxiety disorders anxiety by using the criteria found in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. They will ask you about your symptoms, and when they started and for how to deal with anxiety disorder without medication long and if they're getting worse, or how much they affect your life. They will also search for other conditions that could cause similar symptoms like depression or thyroid problems.

Different anxiety disorders present with various symptoms. Your specialist will determine which type is causing your anxiety and develop a treatment plan. This may include medication, psychotherapy, or both.

Certain people are more at chance of developing an anxiety disorder than others. This includes those with an ancestral history of anxiety or other mental health problems, children who experience or witness traumatic events and those with 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 mental or physical ailments like depression or heart disease.

People suffering from anxiety disorders typically have difficulty admitting that they have a problem and seeking treatment. This could be due to social stigma, lack of awareness that anxiety disorders are treatable disease, or lack of access to care.

Anxiety disorders can be difficult to treat, but with proper support, most people will get better. Talk to your doctor or therapist about the strategies that can help you cope and adhere to your treatment program. Be sure to take your medication as prescribed and attend therapy appointments. Avoid drinking alcohol and smoking cigarettes since they can trigger anxiety symptoms. Be open with your family and friends, and join a group of friends who suffer from the same condition. This can help you to manage and share your tips. Involve your loved ones in your treatment plan, and try to stop the cycle of worry by spending more time on activities you enjoy like activities or sports.

Treatment

Psychotherapy, medication, and other complementary techniques can be used to treat certain types of anxiety disorders. The medications used to treat anxiety include antidepressants and benzodiazepines. Certain people may need to try a variety of different medications before they find one that works for them. Caffeine, some of the over-the-counter medicines and prescriptions, illegal substances and herbal supplements can cause anxiety and may interact with prescription medications. Any changes in the use of drugs should be discussed with a doctor.

A combination of medication and therapy is often the best approach to manage anxiety disorders. Therapy can help you learn to cope with your symptoms and work on changing your negative beliefs and thoughts that trigger anxiety. Therapy can also assist with relaxation and stress-reducing techniques like deep muscular relaxation, meditation, and breathing exercises.

Therapy for anxiety includes cognitive behavioral therapy, which teaches you new ways of thinking and behaving to lessen your anxiety. It can also involve exposure therapy, which entails gradually confronting the things that cause anxiety. It may also incorporate other health-related approaches such as acupuncture exercise and mindfulness.

If you are suffering from extreme anxiety, your doctor might prescribe a short course of benzodiazepines with fast-acting properties to help ease your anxiety. If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts you must visit the emergency room.

The medications can relieve symptoms, but they do not cure anxiety disorders. They cannot eliminate the root causes of your symptoms, and they must be taken regularly. Some of the most effective treatments for anxiety disorders combine psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy, such cognitive behavioral therapy or expose therapy.

You can avoid some signs of anxiety by regularly exercise, avoiding unhealthy foods and drinking alcohol in moderate amounts. A good night's sleep and avoiding nicotine can also help. Social connections are essential to avoid loneliness and anxiety symptoms. You can search the ADAA Find-a Therapist database to locate a therapy provider near you or visit BetterHelp, a service that matches clients with licensed therapists for as little as $49.

The following is a list with preventions.

As humans we are programmed to feel anxious and fear in certain circumstances. Our bodies are trained to defend ourselves against or escape any threat. However, when the feelings persist and start to disrupt our daily routine, it is considered an anxiety disorder. Anxiety symptoms are caused by a variety of factors including genetics, stress and trauma.

Treatment is available for a lot of people with anxiety disorders. First, you should discuss your symptoms with your primary healthcare provider. Your doctor will evaluate your situation and, if necessary, refer you to a mental healthcare professional.

Some of the most effective treatments for anxiety disorders is psychotherapy and medication. Talk therapy can help you learn to manage your emotions and alter negative thoughts that cause anxiety. Medications can help reduce the symptoms and help you to focus on healthy habits. Antidepressants are among the medications used to treat anxiety. Beta blockers and benzodiazepines are a couple of examples.

Practicing relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing and meditation can help reduce your anxiety. Eliminating caffeine-related substances which can impact your mood could be beneficial. In addition, exercising regularly can lower your stress levels. Try to be more social or try a new activity in case you're having trouble dealing with anxiety.

It's important that you know that anxiety disorders usually begin in early adolescence or the beginning of childhood and can be passed down through families. People who have experienced difficulties in their lives, such as abuse as a child, or traumatic loss, are at heightened risk of developing anxiety disorders.

The USPSTF recommends screening adults for anxiety disorders, which includes pregnant women and postpartum mothers. Those at higher risk of having anxiety disorders should be assessed on a case-by-case basis, taking into account their individual risks and advantages. In the absence evidence-based guidelines regarding screening frequency, doctors should use their clinical judgement when evaluating the risk factors, comorbidities, and life events of a patient to determine if additional screening is required.