Anxiety is a natural response to stress, with mild anxiety even serving as a helpful signal for readiness and alertness. However, anxiety disorders are distinct from typical nervousness. They affect nearly 30% of adults but are highly treatable through various psychotherapeutic methods. Each type of anxiety disorder causes individuals to avoid feared situations, exacerbating their symptoms and impacting their daily functioning, including job performance, schoolwork, and personal relationships. Diagnosis typically involves the presence of fear or anxiety disproportionate to the situation or age, which hinders normal functioning. However, specifics still vary amongst different types, such as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, and separation anxiety disorder.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
GAD is characterized by excessive and uncontrollable worry about everyday life events. Often, the worries revolve around everyday responsibilities such as your job, family, chores, car repairs, or appointments. This disorder involves physical symptoms like:
Dizziness
Tiredness
Irregular heartbeat (palpitations)
Muscle aches
trembling
dry mouth
excessive sweating
shortness of breath
Restlessness
Sleep disturbance
Panic Disorder
Panic disorder involves recurrent and unexpected panic attacks. Panic attacks are intense episodes of fear or discomfort and may lead to anticipatory anxiety about experiencing another attack. Symptoms during an attack include the previously mentioned symptoms, along with:
Chest pain
Feeling of choking
Numbness or tingling
Chills or hot flashes
Nausea or abdominal pains
Feeling detached
Fear of losing control
Fear of dying
Due to the severity of such attacks, sufferers may assume they are having a heart attack, leading to a fear of dying and related symptoms. Panic attacks can be triggered as a response to a feared or unexpected object, often with no specific reason to address the fear.
Social anxiety disorder
Social anxiety disorder is marked by a severe fear of social or performance situations. Individuals with this disorder worry about being embarrassed or negatively evaluated by others. People with this order often avoid social situations or endure them with heightened anxiety. Examples include extreme fear of public speaking, meeting new people, or eating in public. This disorder can affect a person’s everyday functionality and often make them miss great opportunities.
Separation anxiety disorder
Separation anxiety disorder primarily affects children and involves extreme distress when separated from caregivers. It can lead to school refusal and other behavioral issues. This can lead to reluctance to sleep or go out without one’s close person, and one often worries about losing them. These symptoms can develop into adulthood if not acknowledged and treated early.
Risk Factors
Coexisting Mental Health Disorders: Anxiety disorders often co-occur with other mental health conditions, such as depression. These comorbid conditions can exacerbate anxiety symptoms.
Family History: A family history of anxiety disorders can increase an individual’s likelihood of developing one. These disorders can have a genetic component.
Substance Use: The use, misuse, or withdrawal from drugs or alcohol can both cause and worsen anxiety disorders, complicating the clinical picture.
Medical Causes
In some cases, anxiety may be linked to underlying medical issues. Certain medical conditions can manifest as anxiety symptoms, and your healthcare provider may perform tests to investigate potential medical causes. These may include:
Heart Disease
Diabetes
Respiratory disorders, such as COPD and asthma
Chronic pain or irritable bowel syndrome
Side Effects of Certain Medications
Treatments
Many individuals do not seek help due to feelings of hopelessness. Professionals can work to find the best treatment, considering physical causes.
Common treatments include psychotherapy (“talk therapy”) and medication.
Cognitive-behavior therapy helps individuals change their thinking and behavior.
Medications, such as anti-anxiety and anti-depression medication, may be prescribed for symptom relief.
Physical symptoms may be managed with beta-blockers.
Remember that anxiety symptoms are unlikely to resolve on their own and may worsen over time without intervention. Seeking help early can facilitate more effective treatment and improve the prognosis of anxiety disorders.
Healthy Coping Mechanisms
Engaging in Enjoyable Activities and Social Interaction: Actively participating in activities that bring joy and foster self-esteem can be a valuable coping strategy. Additionally, maintaining social connections and nurturing supportive relationships can alleviate worries and provide a sense of belonging.
Stress Management Techniques: Many anxiety-related conditions are rooted in the stress of daily life. While complete elimination of stressors may not be feasible, altering one’s reactions to stress can make treatment strategies more effective. Techniques such as time management can be invaluable.
