What Are Anxiety Disorders?
People with anxiety disorders have anxieties and fears that are not related to a particular situation or in the case of generalized anxiety disorder, about various situations. They also experience difficulty in managing these symptoms.
The symptoms of anxiety disorders typically begin in childhood. The cause is unknown however, genetics and life events may play a role.
Symptoms
An anxiety disorder is diagnosed if you experience excessive anxiety or fear, which is difficult to control. It may interfere with your daily routine. Anxiety disorders include generalized anxiety (GAD) as well as panic, obsessive-compulsive disorder and phobias.
GAD is characterized by overwhelming and uncontrollable anxiety. They may be unable to concentrate and may be constantly worried about health, money or work. Panic disorder is defined as intense, brief episodes of discomfort and fear that can occur without warning. The symptoms include chest pain and palpitations, breathing problems or dizziness. People with phobias experience an aversion to certain objects or situations, or even places. Examples include spiders, heights or enclosed spaces. People with OCD suffer from repetitive, compulsional behaviors as a means to manage their anxiety and reducing the feeling of discomfort or tension. People suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder are having trouble getting rid of painful, frightening memories, which result in nightmares and flashbacks.
The causes of anxiety disorders are not been thoroughly understood. However, they are likely to be caused by a combination of factors. There is evidence that suggests that a person's genetics and the environment are both crucial. For example generalized anxiety disorder tends run in families, and traumatizing or stressful events in childhood increase the risk for developing an anxiety disorder. Anxiety disorders are more prevalent in people with chronic medical conditions or who are dependent on alcohol or drugs.
The positive side is that many
anxiety eating disorder disorders respond well to treatment. Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, as well as medication can help alleviate the symptoms of anxiety disorders. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a form of psychotherapy that teaches people to think and react in a way that makes them feel less anxious. The use of medications, like beta-blockers and anti-anxiety medications that are used to treat high blood pressure, can help with physical symptoms like a rapid heartbeat or shaking. A healthcare professional will determine the best medication and dosage for each individual. Early treatment can make the treatment of anxiety problems less of a problem.
Diagnosis
Many people experience anxiety at times -- for instance, prior to giving an address or taking a crucial test. If these feelings persist and excessive, irrational and affect your daily routine, it may be an indication that you suffer from an anxiety disorder.
A mental health specialist can diagnose an anxiety disorder using criteria set out in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). They will inquire about your symptoms, when they began and how long they've been going on, if they are getting worse, and how they impact your life. They will also look for other conditions which could cause similar symptoms, such as depression or thyroid problems.
different anxiety disorders (
you could try here) present with various symptoms. Your specialist
will anxiety disorder ever go away determine which is causing your anxiety and develop a treatment plan. This could include medication, psychotherapy, or both.
Certain individuals are more prone to developing anxiety disorders than others. Certain people are at a higher likelihood of developing an disorder than others. This is the case for those who have a family history or children who have been through or witnessed traumatizing events as well as those with specific medical conditions such as systemic lupus, rheumatoid arthritis or sleep apnea.
anxiety disorder without medication is more likely occur in conjunction with other physical or mental diseases, like depression or cardiovascular disease.
People with anxiety disorders frequently aren't able to admit that they have a problem or seeking treatment. This can be due to stigmatization or a lack of awareness that anxiety disorders are treatable condition, or a lack of access to treatment.
Anxiety disorders can be challenging to treat, but with the proper support, the majority of people will improve. Discuss with your doctor how you can manage anxiety and stick to your treatment program. Follow the prescribed medication and make sure you attend all therapy sessions. Avoid alcohol and nicotine since they can trigger anxiety symptoms. Be open with your family and friends about your illness and join a group of people with similar issues. This will allow you to cope and share your experiences with others. Include your family members in your treatment and attempt to stop the cycle of worry by focusing more on things you love like hobbies or sports.
Treatment
Certain kinds of anxiety disorders can be treated with psychotherapy, medication, and other complementary health methods. Antidepressants and other benzodiazepines can be used to combat anxiety. Some people will have to test a variety of drugs before they can find one that works. Caffeine, certain over-the-counter medications and prescriptions, as well as illicit substances and herbal supplements may aggravate anxiety symptoms and interact with prescription drugs. Any changes in the dosage of a drug should be discussed with a physician.
Treatment for anxiety disorders often requires the use of therapy in conjunction with medication. Therapy can help you cope with your symptoms and change your negative thoughts and beliefs that fuel anxiety. It can also assist you to use techniques to relax and reduce stress like deep muscle relaxation, meditation and breathing exercises.
The treatment for anxiety is a combination of cognitive behavioral therapy, which helps you learn new ways of thinking and behavior to lessen your anxiety. It can also involve exposure therapy, which involves gradually confronting the things that cause anxiety. It may also include other approaches to health that are complementary such as acupuncture or mindfulness.
If you have extreme
anxiety disorder physical symptoms, your doctor may prescribe a brief course of benzodiazepines that are fast-acting to help ease your anxiety. If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts, you should go to the emergency room.
The medication may ease symptoms however they cannot solve anxiety disorders. They cannot eliminate the underlying cause of your symptoms and they must be used regularly. Some of the most effective treatments for anxiety disorders combine pharmacotherapy with psychotherapy such as cognitive behavior therapy or exposure therapy.
You can lessen the symptoms of anxiety by exercising regularly and eating healthy food, as well as drinking moderately. Smoking and getting enough rest can aid in reducing anxiety. It is essential to maintain social connections and avoid loneliness, as loneliness can exacerbate anxiety symptoms. You can search the ADAA Find-a Therapist database to find a Therapist near you,
Different anxiety disorders or visit BetterHelp, a service that connects clients with licensed therapists for as little as $49.
Prevention
Humans are conditioned to feel anxiety and fear in certain situations. It is our body's way of preparing for fighting or fleeing from danger. However, when these feelings persist and begin to disrupt our daily routine it is deemed to be an anxiety disorder. Anxiety symptoms can be caused by a variety of factors such as stress, genetics, environmental, trauma, or even substance use.
Treatment is available for a lot of people with anxiety disorders.