anxiety-disorders

What Are Anxiety Disorders?People with anxiety disorders experience anxiety and fears that are out of proportion to the situation. In generalized anxiety disorders, they worry about a variety of situations. They also experience difficulty in controlling these symptoms.The symptoms of anxiety disorders typically begin in childhood. The reason for this is not known, but genes and life events could play a role.Signs and symptomsAlthough everyone experiences anxiety from time to time constant anxiety and fear that is difficult to manage and interferes with daily life may be an indication of an anxiety disorder. Anxiety disorders may include generalized anxiety (GAD), panic, obsessive compulsive disorder and specific phobias.People suffering from GAD suffer from overwhelming and uncontrollable feelings of anxiety most of the time. They may be unable to concentrate and be constantly worried about their health, finances or their job. Symptoms of panic disorder involve brief, intense episodes of anxiety or discomfort that occur without warning and can cause symptoms such as chest pain, heart palpitations, difficulty breathing, or dizziness. People with phobias have fears of certain objects, situations, or places. Examples include heights, spiders, or enclosed spaces. People with OCD are prone to repetitive, obsessive behaviors as a means to manage their anxiety and reducing the associated feelings of tension or discomfort. Those with post-traumatic stress disorder are having trouble getting rid of disturbing and frightening memories, which result in nightmares and flashbacks.The causes of anxiety disorders have not been understood in a complete manner. However, they are likely to be a result of a combination of factors. Certain studies suggest that both genetics and the environment of an individual are significant. Generalized anxiety disorder, like, tends to run through families. Stressful or traumatizing childhood experiences also increase the risk of developing anxiety disorders. Anxiety disorders are more common for those suffering from chronic medical conditions as well as those who are dependent on alcohol or drugs.Most anxiety disorders respond well when treated. Psychotherapy, or talk therapy, and medications can alleviate symptoms of anxiety disorders. Psychotherapy, like cognitive behavioral therapy, helps people learn 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 shakes or rapid heartbeats. A doctor can help determine the right medications and dosages for each patient. Early treatment can make anxiety disorders less difficult.DiagnosisMost people feel anxious at certain points, for instance before giving a presentation or taking a test. When those feelings are persistent and uncontrollable, they interfere with daily life it could be an indication that you have an anxiety disorder.A mental health professional will determine whether you suffer from anxiety disorders by using the criteria of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. They will inquire about your symptoms, when they began and how long they’ve been present, whether they are getting worse, and how they affect your daily life. They will also search for other conditions that may cause similar symptoms, such as depression or thyroid problems.Different types of anxiety disorders exhibit distinct symptoms. Your specialist will determine the kind of anxiety disorder causing your problems and formulate the treatment plan. This could involve psychotherapy, medication or both.Certain people are more at risk of developing an anxiety disorder than others. Certain individuals are more at risk of developing an anxiety disorder than others. This is the case for those with a family history 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. It is also more typical for anxiety to be associated with other mental or physical diseases like heart disease or depression.People suffering from anxiety disorders typically aren’t able to admit that they are suffering from anxiety or seeking treatment. This is often due to stigmatization and a lack of understanding that anxiety disorders are treatable disease, or lack of access to treatment.Anxiety disorders are difficult to treat, but with proper support, most people will improve. Discuss with your doctor the ways to manage anxiety and stick to your treatment program. Be sure you follow the prescriptions for your medication and attend therapy sessions. Also, avoid alcohol and nicotine, as they can cause anxiety to become more severe. Be open with your family and friends about your illness and build a network of people with similar conditions. This can help you cope and share your experiences with others. Include your loved ones in your treatment, and try to end the cycle of anxiety by spending more time doing things you love like activities or sports.TreatmentCertain kinds of anxiety conditions can be treated with psychotherapy, medication, and other complementary health practices. Antidepressants and other benzodiazepines can be used to combat anxiety. Certain people may need to test a variety of medications before finding one that is effective for them. Caffeine, a variety of over-the-counter or prescription drugs, illegal substances and herbal supplements could cause anxiety or trigger reactions with prescription medications. It is important to discuss any changes to their medication with a doctor.Treatment for anxiety disorders typically involves a combination of therapy and medications. Therapy can help you learn to manage your symptoms and work on changing your negative thoughts and beliefs that fuel your anxiety. It can also aid in relaxation techniques and methods to reduce stress, such as deep muscular relaxation meditation, deep breathing, and meditation exercises.Cognitive behavioral therapy is among the most effective treatments for anxiety. It teaches you to think and behave in a manner that decreases anxiety. It can also involve exposure therapy, which involves slowly confronting the things that cause anxiety. It can also include other approaches to health that are complementary such as acupuncture or mindfulness.If you suffer from severe anxiety, your physician might prescribe a short course of fast-acting benzodiazepines to help ease your anxiety. If you are expressing suicidal thoughts, you must be examined in the emergency department.The medication can ease symptoms however they cannot treat anxiety disorders. They cannot eliminate the underlying causes of your symptoms, and they should be taken on a regular basis. Some of the most effective treatments for anxiety disorders mix psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy like cognitive behavioral therapy or exposure therapy.You can prevent some symptoms of anxiety by practicing regular exercise, avoiding unhealthy foods and drinking alcohol in moderation. Smoking and getting enough rest can aid in reducing anxiety. Maintaining social connections is essential to avoid isolation and anxiety symptoms. You can use the ADAA Find-a Therapist database to locate a therapy provider near you or visit BetterHelp, a service that matches clients with licensed therapists starting at just $49.PreventionHumans are conditioned to experience anxiety and fear when certain situations occur. Our bodies train us to defend ourselves or escape from a threat. However, if these feelings linger and begin to affect our daily lives it is deemed to be an anxiety disorder. Anxiety symptoms can be triggered by a myriad of causes, including genetics, stress, environment, trauma, or even substance use.The positive side is that many people who have an anxiety disorder can overcome it with help of treatment. The first step is to talk with your primary healthcare provider about your symptoms. Your doctor will review your condition and refer you to a mental health professional should it be necessary.The most effective treatments for anxiety disorders include psychotherapy and medications. Talk therapy can help you learn to manage your emotions and change negative thinking patterns that contribute to anxiety. Certain medications can help you manage the symptoms and focus on healthier behaviors. Antidepressants are among the medications used to combat anxiety. Beta blockers and benzodiazepines are other examples.Relaxation techniques, like deep breathing and meditation can help reduce your anxiety. Avoiding substances like caffeine which can impact your mood can be beneficial. Also, exercising regularly can reduce stress levels. Try to make more friends or find a new hobby when you’re struggling to cope with anxiety.It’s important that you know that anxiety disorders typically begin in early adolescence or the beginning of childhood and can be passed down through families. Anyone who has experienced difficulties in their lives, such as abuse as a child, or tragic loss, are at heightened chance of developing anxiety disorders.The USPSTF recommends screening adults for anxiety disorders, which includes pregnant women and postpartum women. The risk of anxiety disorders should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration the individual risks and benefits. In the absence of evidence on optimal screening frequency the clinicians are advised to use their judgment when evaluating a person’s risk factors, comorbid conditions and life events to determine whether additional screening is warranted.