Anxiety Disorders

Anxiety is a normal reaction to stressful life events like giving an important test or solving a difficult problem at work. It helps us give a boost of energy in specific situations. However, anxiety disorders are different.

Anxiety disorders cause a constant and overwhelming state of anxiety, stress, and fear that can interfere with your everyday life and can last a long time.

Symptoms usually take root in childhood and teenage and become more prevalent in adulthood.

Types of Anxiety Disorders

Here are some types of anxiety disorders:

  • Generalized anxiety disorder
  • Panic disorder
  • Social anxiety disorder
  • Separation anxiety
  • Agoraphobia
  • Specific phobias
  • Selective mutism
  • Medically-induced anxiety disorder

Symptoms

Common symptoms of anxiety include:

  • Nervousness, restlessness, being tense
  • A tugging sense of danger or panic
  • Rapid heartbeat
  • Hyperventilation
  • Cold, sweaty hands
  • Trembling
  • Sweating
  • Feeling tired or weak
  • Trouble focusing
  • Gastrointestinal problems
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Rumination
  • Avoiding things that trigger anxiety

Causes

Some causes of anxiety include:

  • Genetics
  • Medical conditions
  • Environmental stress
  • Brain chemistry
  • Drug misuse or withdrawal

Risk Factors

Certain things can increase the chances of developing an anxiety disorder. These include:

  • History of another mental health disorder
  • Trauma
  • Childhood sexual abuse
  • Chronic illness
  • Negative life experiences
  • Being shy
  • Stress
  • Personality
  • Substance abuse
  • Low self-esteem

Treatment

There are many treatments available to help with anxiety disorders. These include:

Medication

Different types of drugs are used to treat anxiety disorders. Your medical health professional will guide you about the pros and cons.

  • Antidepressants
  • Bupropion
  • Benzodiazepines
  • Beta-blockers
  • Anticonvulsants
  • Antipsychotics

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy or talk therapy is counseling where you learn how your emotions impact your behaviors with the help of a trained mental health specialist. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy(CBT) is often used here to learn coping mechanisms.

If you need to talk to a professional mental health specialist, book an appointment with us now.