What Are Anxiety Disorders?

People with anxiety disorders have fears and worries that are out of proportion to a particular situation or in the case of generalized anxiety disorder, over various situations. They also experience difficulty in managing their symptoms.

The symptoms of anxiety disorders begin in childhood. The cause is unknown however, genetics and life events could play a role.

Signs and symptoms

While everyone feels anxious at times, ongoing excessive anxiety and fear that is hard to manage and interferes with daily life may be a sign of an anxiety disorder. Anxiety disorders can include generalized anxiety disorder cognitive behavioral therapy anxiety (GAD), panic, obsessive compulsive disorder, and fears.

GAD is characterized by overwhelming and uncontrollable anxiety disorders facts. They may be unable to concentrate and are often worried about their health, money or work. Panic disorder is defined as intense, brief episodes of anxiety and discomfort that can occur without warning. Signs of the disorder include chest pain and palpitations, breathing problems or dizziness. People with fears develop a severe fear of certain objects, situations or places, such as spiders, public speaking, or enclosed spaces. People suffering from OCD have repetitive, compulsive behaviours as a way to cope with their fears and reducing feelings of tension or discomfort. Post-traumatic stress disorder is characterized by a difficulty in letting go of frightening, disturbing memories. This can result in flashbacks and nightmares.

The causes of anxiety disorders haven't been fully understood. However they are likely to be a result of a combination of factors. There is evidence that suggests that a person's genetics and their environment are both important. For instance, generalized anxiety disorder tends to run in families, and trauma or stressful experiences in childhood increase the risk for developing an anxiety disorder. People suffering from chronic medical conditions and those who abuse alcohol or drugs are more likely to suffer from an anxiety disorder.

The good news is that the majority of anxiety disorders respond well to treatment. Talk therapy and medication can ease the symptoms of anxiety disorder. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a form of psychotherapy that teaches people how to think and react in a way that can make them feel less stressed. The use of medications, like beta-blockers and medications for anxiety, which are used to treat high blood pressure, can alleviate physical symptoms such as a shaking or rapid heartbeat. A doctor can help determine the proper dosage and medications for each patient. Early treatment can make anxiety disorders less difficult.

Diagnosis

Most people feel anxious at times -- for instance, prior to giving a speech or taking an important test. When those feelings are persistent and excessive, irrational and affect your daily routine it could be an indication that you have an anxiety disorder.

A mental health specialist will diagnose anxiety disorders using the criteria in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. They will ask about your symptoms, the time they first began, how to reduce anxiety disorder long they have been going on, if they are getting worse, and how they impact your life. They will also look for other conditions that may cause similar symptoms, for example thyroid issues or depression.

Different kinds of anxiety disorders exhibit different symptoms. Your specialist will determine which is causing your anxiety and create a treatment plan. This could include medication, psychotherapy or both.

Some people are more at risk of developing anxiety disorders than others. Some people are at greater chance of developing an anxiety disorder than others. This includes people with a history of family members or children who have been through or witnessed traumatizing events and those suffering from certain medical conditions like Rheumatoid Arthritis, systemic Lupus, or sleep apnea. Anxiety is more likely be associated with other mental or physiological illnesses, such as depression or cardiovascular disease.

People with anxiety disorders frequently have difficulty admitting that 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 a lack of access.

Anxiety disorders can be difficult to treat but with the right treatment, many people be able to recover. Talk with your doctor or therapist about the strategies that can help you cope, and stick with your treatment program. Be sure to follow the prescriptions for your medication and attend therapy sessions. Also, avoid nicotine and alcohol, as they can cause your anxiety symptoms to worsen. Be open with your family and friends, and join a group of people with the same issue. This can help you cope and share tips with others. Include your loved family members in the process and break the cycle by spending more time engaging in things you enjoy, such as activities or sports.

Treatment

Psychotherapy, medication and other complementary techniques can be used to treat some kinds of anxiety disorders. Antidepressants and other benzodiazepines can be used to treat anxiety. Certain people may need to try a variety of different medications before finding one that works for them. Caffeine, a variety of over-the-counter or prescription drugs, illegal substances and herbal supplements could increase anxiety symptoms or interact with prescription medications. Patients should always discuss any changes to their use of drugs with a physician.

A combination of therapy and medication is often the best anxiety disorder treatment option to manage anxiety disorders. Therapy can help you deal with your symptoms and change your negative thoughts and beliefs that fuel anxiety. It can also help you practice relaxing and stress-reduction techniques, such as deep relaxation, meditation and breathing exercises.

Therapy for anxiety includes cognitive behavioral therapy that teaches you new ways of thinking and behaving to decrease anxiety. It may also include exposure therapy, which is the process of slowly confronting the things that cause anxiety. It may also include complementary approaches to health such as acupuncture or mindfulness.

If you are suffering with severe anxiety A doctor may prescribe a short-term course of benzodiazepines, which can be used quickly to reduce your symptoms. If you're having suicidal thoughts, you should be examined in the emergency department.

The medications can relieve symptoms however they cannot treat anxiety disorders. They cannot solve the root cause and must be taken regularly. Some of the most effective treatments for anxiety Disorders Anxiety combine psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy. These include cognitive behavioral therapy or expose therapy.

You can reduce anxiety symptoms by exercising regularly and eating healthy meals, as well as drinking alcohol moderately. Smoking and getting enough sleep can aid in reducing anxiety. It is essential to maintain social connections and avoid loneliness, as loneliness can exacerbate anxiety symptoms. You can look through the ADAA Find-a Therapist database to find a therapist near you or visit BetterHelp, a service that connects clients with licensed therapists for as low as $49.

Prevention

As humans we are programmed to feel anxiety and fear in certain situations. Our bodies train us to defend ourselves against or escape from a threat. If these symptoms persist and begin to interfere with everyday life they are referred to as anxiety disorders. Anxiety symptoms can be triggered by a myriad of causes such as stress, genetics, stress trauma, the use of drugs.

Treatment is available for a lot of patients suffering from anxiety disorders. In the beginning, you must discuss your symptoms with your primary health care provider. Your doctor will evaluate your condition and, if necessary, refer you to a mental healthcare professional.

The most effective treatments for anxiety disorders are psychotherapy and medication. Talk therapy can help you learn how to manage your emotions and alter negative thought patterns that contribute to anxiety. The use of medications can help reduce the symptoms and focus on healthy behaviors. Antidepressants are among the medications used to combat anxiety. Beta blockers and benzodiazepines are other examples.

Engaging in relaxation techniques, such as meditation and deep breathing can also help to reduce anxiety. Avoiding caffeine and other substances that can alter your mood can be beneficial. Regular exercise can reduce stress. Try to make more friends or find a new hobby if you're having difficulty coping with your anxiety.

It is important to know that anxiety disorders usually start in childhood or early adolescence and are prevalent in families. People who have experienced difficulties in their lives, such as abuse as a child or traumatizing loss, are at greater likelihood of developing anxiety disorders.

The USPSTF recommends that all adults, including pregnant and postpartum women, be screened for anxiety disorders. The risk of anxiety disorders should be assessed on a case by case basis, taking into consideration the individual risks and benefits. In the absence of any evidence regarding the optimal frequency of screening doctors are advised to use their judgment while assessing a person's risks, comorbidities and life events to determine whether additional screening is warranted.