Anxiety can be described as a feeling of unease, worry, or fear. For some people, this feeling is so strong that it becomes difficult to complete everyday tasks.
While anxiety is a normal emotion, for those who suffer from a disorder of anxiety, these feelings can be overwhelming and persistent.
This guide will provide you with information on the different types, their symptoms, and treatment options.
What is Anxiety?
Anxiety is a feeling of nervousness, fear, or worry. Everyone feels anxious occasionally, but some people feel a severe level of this emotion most or all of the time. For people with anxiety disorders, the symptoms are not just a passing emotion—they can be overwhelming and interfere with daily activities such as work, school, and relationships.
Anxiety disorders are the most common mental health disorders, with lifetime prevalence exceeding 30% of the population. There are many different types, including generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder, social anxiety disorder (SAD), and phobias. Each type of anxiety disorder has its own symptoms, which can range from mild to severe. In general, symptoms can include;
• Feelings of nervousness or dread
• An inability to relax
• Difficulty concentrating
• Sleep problems
• Sweating
• Palpitations
• Shortness of breath
• Dizziness
• Chest pain
These disorders can also be co-morbid with other psychological disorders, such as depression. If you want to know more, check out the guide on depression here.
What is the difference between Anxiety disorders and worry?
Everyone experiences passing worry or anxiousness at some point in their lives. Whether it’s nervousness before a big presentation at work or butterflies before a first date, worry is a normal and natural response to situations that we perceive as threatening. However, for some people, anxiousness can become so intense and persistent that it interferes with their daily lives.
People with anxiety disorders often feel excessively worried or stressed for no apparent reason, and this worry can interfere with work, school, and personal relationships. This level of severity often requires professional treatment, not simply encouragement to ‘relax’ or ‘calm down.
Unfortunately, not understanding the differences between an anxiety disorder, and everyday anxiety, can lead to further stigma of the condition.
The good news is, a range of treatments have shown to be effective. With proper treatment, you can learn to manage your symptoms and live a full and happy life.
What are the Causes?
There are many different causes of anxiety, including genetics, brain chemistry, and life experiences.
People with anxiety disorders usually have a higher-than-normal level of the stress hormone cortisol. This can cause physical symptoms such as an increased heart rate and sweating.
People who have a family history of anxiety or other mental health disorders are more likely to develop anxiety themselves. Additionally, imbalances in brain chemicals can contribute to symptoms. Finally, traumatic or stressful life events, such as the death of a loved one or experiencing abuse, can trigger anxiety. While the causes of anxiety can vary, treatment options are available that can help people manage their symptoms and lead happier, healthier lives.
Treatments for Anxiety
While there is no one-size-fits-all solution, there are a number of effective treatments that can help to reduce symptoms and promote lasting recovery.
Therapy
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of psychotherapy that has been shown to be particularly effective. CBT focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to certain symptoms.
Medication
Medication can also be an effective treatment for the disorder, with a number of different options available to suit individual needs. In some cases, a combination of therapy and medication may be recommended. Whatever approach is taken, it is important to work with a qualified professional to ensure the best possible outcome. If medication is being considered, a physician or psychiatrist is needed for consultation.
Brain Stimulation
While there are many effective treatments available, some people do not respond well to traditional therapies. For these individuals, brain stimulation treatments may provide relief. There are two main types of brain stimulation treatments: electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS).
ECT is a highly effective treatment for severe disorders, but it can have some serious side effects. TMS is a newer treatment that is considered safe and well tolerated, with a low risk of side effects. While more research is needed, TMS shows promise as a treatment for anxiety disorders, as well as many other mental health conditions.
Read more about Brain Stimulation treatments here.
Coping Strategies
For many people, worry is a normal part of life. It can be triggered by a variety of factors, including stress, genetics, and medical conditions.
While there is no one-size-fits-all solution, there are several lifestyle changes that can help. exercise has been shown to be an effective way to reduce stress and improve mood.
In addition, establishing healthy sleeping habits and eating a balanced diet can also help. Finally, avoiding alcohol and drugs can help to keep symptoms at bay. By making these simple changes, you can help to prevent anxiety from taking over your life.
Conclusion
Anxiety disorders are different from the normal worry that everyone experiences. They can cause significant distress and interfere with a person’s quality of life.
There are many effective treatments, but it is important to seek professional help if you think you might have an anxiety disorder.
Read more information on our website about the signs and symptoms of anxiety, as well as how to get treatment.