Anxiety Disorder

                                                                Anxiety Disorder

Anxiety disorders are the most common mental health concern in the United States. We all experience anxiety. For example, speaking in front of a group can make us anxious, but that anxiety also motivates us to prepare and practice. Driving in heavy traffic is another common source of anxiety, but it helps keep us alert and cautious to avoid accidents. However, when feelings of intense fear and distress become overwhelming and prevent us from doing everyday activities, an anxiety disorder may be the cause. Anxiety disorders are a group of related conditions, each having unique symptoms. However, all anxiety disorders have one thing in common: persistent, excessive fear or worry in situations that are not threatening. People typically experience one or more of the following symptoms:

        1. Emotional symptoms:

•           Feeling tense or jumpy

•           Restlessness or irritability

•           Anticipating the worst and being watchful for signs of danger

2.         Physical symptoms:

•           Pounding or racing heart and shortness of breath

•           Sweating, tremors, and twitches

•           Headaches, fatigue, and insomnia

•           Upset stomach, frequent urination, or diarrhea

There are many types of anxiety disorders, each with different symptoms. The most common types of anxiety disorders include:

GAD produces chronic, exaggerated worrying about everyday life. This worrying can consume hours each day, making it hard to concentrate or finish daily tasks. A person with GAD may become exhausted by worry and experience headaches, tension, or nausea.

•           Another is Social Anxiety Disorder More than shyness, this disorder causes intense fear about social interaction, often driven by irrational worries about humiliation (e.g. saying something stupid or not knowing what to say). Someone with social anxiety disorder may not take part in conversations, contribute to class discussions, or offer their ideas, and may become isolated. Panic attacks are a common reaction to anticipated or forced social interaction. Panic disorder is characterized by panic attacks and sudden feelings of terror sometimes striking repeatedly and without warning. Often mistaken for a heart attack, a panic attack causes powerful physical symptoms including chest pain, heart palpitations, dizziness, shortness of breath and stomach upset. Many people will go to desperate measures to avoid an attack, including social isolation. Phobias is another, we all tend to avoid certain things or situations that make us uncomfortable or even fearful. But for someone with a phobia, certain places, events, or objects create powerful reactions of strong, irrational fear. Most people with specific phobias have several things that can trigger those reactions; to avoid panic, they will work hard to avoid their triggers. The causes are genetics and environment. Using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) a mental health professional can identify the specific type of anxiety disorder causing symptoms as well as any other possible disorders that may be involved. Tackling all disorders through comprehensive treatment is the best recovery strategy. Different anxiety disorders have their own distinct sets of symptoms. This means that each type of anxiety disorder also has its own treatment plan. But there are common types of treatment that are used in Psychotherapy: including cognitive behavioral therapy

Medication: including antianxiety medications and antidepressants Complementary health approaches: including stress and relaxation techniques. Anxiety disorders can occur along with other mental health conditions, and they can often make related conditions worse.

Reference:

ANXIETY AND DIPRESSION ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA,                     https://adaa.org/understanding-anxiety/generalized-anxiety-disorder-gad/symptoms, Accessed by, November 29, 2020

Anxiety Disorders and Anxiety Attacks, https://www.helpguide.org/articles/anxiety/anxiety-disorders-and-anxiety-attacks.htm, Accessed by, November 29, 2020

American Psychiatric Association, https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/anxiety-disorders/what-are-anxiety-disorders, Accessed by, November 29, 2020