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What Are Anxiety Disorders?

Individuals with anxiety disorders experience fears and worries out of proportion to the circumstances. In generalized anxiety disorder they worry about a variety of situations. They also have trouble controlling these symptoms.

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

Symptoms

Everyone experiences anxiety at times, ongoing excessive anxiety and worry that is difficult to control and interferes with daily life may be a sign of an anxiety disorder. Anxiety disorders include generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, specific phobias and post-traumatic stress disorder.

People suffering from GAD have uncontrollable and overwhelming feelings of anxiety all the time. They may be unable to concentrate and are often worried about their health, finances or work. Panic disorder is defined as short, intense episodes of discomfort and fear that may occur without warning. Symptoms include chest pain, palpitations, breathing difficulties, or dizziness. People who suffer from phobias experience a fear of certain objects, situations or places like spiders or heights, public speaking or spaces that are enclosed. People with OCD are prone to repetitive, obsessive actions as a method of coping with their anxieties and reducing the associated feelings of tension or discomfort. Post-traumatic stress disorder is defined by a difficulty in letting go of frightening, disturbing memories. This can lead to nightmares and flashbacks.

The causes of anxiety disorders have not been thoroughly understood. However, they are likely to be caused by a combination of factors. Some research suggests that both genetics and the surroundings of an individual are significant. For example, generalized anxiety disorder tends be passed down through families, and trauma or stressful experiences in childhood increase the chance of developing an anxiety disorder. Patients with chronic medical conditions and those who use alcohol or drugs are more likely to suffer from an anxiety disorder.

The majority of anxiety disorders are well when treated. Therapy and medication can reduce the symptoms of anxiety disorder. Psychotherapy, like cognitive behavioral therapy, teaches people new ways of thinking and reacting that can aid in reducing anxiety. Anti-anxiety medications and beta-blockers used to treat high blood pressure can alleviate physical symptoms such as shaking or rapid heartbeat. A doctor will determine the best medication and dosage for each person. Early treatment can make the treatment of anxiety disorders less difficult.

Diagnosis

The majority of people experience anxiety at some point, for example prior to presenting a speech or taking an exam. But when those feelings are persistent, excessive, irrational, and interfere with everyday activities, it could be an indication of anxiety disorder.

A mental health professional can diagnose anxiety disorders using criteria set out in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). They will ask you about your symptoms, and when they first began and for how long and if they're getting worse, or how they impact your life. They will also look for any other conditions that might cause similar symptoms, like thyroid issues or depression.

Different anxiety disorders can manifest with different symptoms. Your doctor will identify the type of anxiety disorder causing you problems and create an action plan to treat it. This may include medication, psychotherapy, or both.

Certain individuals are at a higher chance of developing an anxiety disorder than others. Some people are at greater likelihood of developing an disorder than others. This is the case for those with a history of family members, children who have experienced or witnessed traumatizing events, as well as those with particular medical conditions, such as Rheumatoid arthritis, systemic Lupus, or sleep apnea. Anxiety is more likely to occur in conjunction with other physical or mental illnesses, such as depression or cardiovascular disease.

People suffering from anxiety disorders typically have difficulty admitting that they have a problem or seeking treatment. This can be due to stigmatization and a lack of understanding that anxiety disorders can be treated illness, or limited access to treatment.

Anxiety disorders are difficult to manage, but with the proper support, the majority of people improve. Talk with your doctor or therapist about the things that help you manage and adhere to your treatment program. Be sure you take your medication as prescribed and go to therapy appointments. Avoid alcohol and nicotine as they can exacerbate anxiety symptoms. Open up to your family and friends, and join a group of people who have the same condition. This will help you manage and share your experiences with others. Include your loved ones in the treatment process and break the cycle by spending more time engaging in activities you enjoy such as activities or sports.

Treatment

Certain types of anxiety conditions can be treated with psychotherapy, medication and complementary health techniques. Antidepressants and other benzodiazepines are used to combat anxiety. Certain people have to test a variety of drugs before they can find one that is effective. Caffeine, a variety of over-the-counter or prescription drugs, illicit substances and herbal supplements could cause anxiety or trigger reactions with prescribed medications. It is important to discuss any changes to their drug use with a doctor.





A combination of therapy and medication is often the best way to treat anxiety disorders. Therapy can help you to cope with your symptoms and work towards changing your negative thoughts and beliefs that cause anxiety. Therapy can also help you practice relaxing and stress-reduction techniques like deep muscle relaxation, meditation and breathing exercises.

Cognitive behavioral therapy is one of the most effective treatments for anxiety. It teaches you to think and behave in a way that decreases anxiety. Exposure therapy is another option that lets you gradually confront the things that cause your anxiety. It could also include other health-related approaches such as acupuncture meditation and exercise.

If you suffer with severe anxiety, a doctor can prescribe a short-term course of benzodiazepines that act quickly to ease your symptoms. If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts it is best to visit the emergency room.

The medications can relieve symptoms however they cannot solve anxiety disorders. They don't eliminate the underlying cause of your symptoms and they must be used regularly. Some of the most successful treatments for anxiety disorders combine psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy, such cognitive behavioral therapy or expose therapy.

You can reduce anxiety symptoms by exercising regularly, eating healthy foods and drinking moderately. Sleeping enough and staying away from nicotine can aid. It is important to maintain social connections and avoid loneliness because loneliness can worsen anxiety symptoms. You can use the ADAA Find-a Therapist database to find a Therapist near you, or visit BetterHelp, a service that matches clients with licensed therapists starting at just $49.

Prevention

As humans we are programmed to feel anxiety and fear in certain situations. Our bodies are trained to defend ourselves or escape from a threat. If these feelings persist and start to interfere with our daily lives they are referred to as anxiety disorders. Anxiety symptoms can be caused by a variety of factors such as stress, genetics, stress, trauma, or even alcohol use.

Treatment is available for a lot of patients suffering from anxiety disorders. The first step is to talk with your primary care provider about your symptoms. Your doctor will assess your condition and recommend you to mental health professionals should it be necessary.

Psychotherapy and medication are two of the most effective treatments available for anxiety disorders. Talk therapy can help you learn to manage your emotions and modify negative thought patterns that fuel your anxiety. Medicines can help decrease your symptoms and help you to focus on healthy habits. A few examples of medications that are used to combat anxiety include antidepressants beta blockers, and benzodiazepines.

Relaxation techniques such as meditation and deep breathing can help to reduce anxiety. Avoiding substances like caffeine which can impact your mood can be helpful. Regular exercise can help reduce stress. Try to socialize more or discover a new pastime in case you're having trouble dealing with anxiety.

It's important that you know that anxiety disorders typically begin in childhood or early adolescence and run in families. People who have been through a difficult time in their life like childhood abuse or severe loss, may be at greater risk of developing an anxiety disorder.

The USPSTF recommends screening adults for anxiety disorders, including pregnant women and postpartum mothers. The risk of developing an anxiety disorder should be assessed on a case-by -case basis, taking into consideration their individual risks and advantages. In the absence evidence regarding the optimal frequency of screening, clinicians are encouraged to use their judgment when evaluating a person's risk factors, comorbid conditions and life events to determine whether further screening is necessary.