What do you need to know about anxiety, what is an anxiety disorder?
Experiencing occasional anxiety is a normal part of life. However, the anxiety disorder that often manifests itself is noticeable, and if left untreated, it can leave a negative mark on your mental or physical health.
The patient is tense, scared, and nervous about the anxiety disorder even in seemingly trivial everyday situations. Often, anxiety disorders involve repeated episodes of sudden feelings of intense anxiety and fear or terror that reach a peak within minutes (panic attacks).
These feelings of anxiety and panic interfere with daily activities, are difficult to control.
You may avoid places or situations to prevent these feelings.
Symptoms may start during childhood or the teen years and continue into adulthood.
Examples of anxiety disorders include generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder (social phobia), specific phobias and separation anxiety disorder. Sometimes anxiety results from a medical condition that needs treatment.
Whatever form of anxiety you have, treatment can help. Timely referral to a specialist is essential. Anxiety disorder is effectively treated with an appropriate course of treatment.
Symptoms
Common anxiety signs and symptoms include:
- Feeling nervous, restless or tense
- Having a sense of impending danger, panic or doom
- Having an increased heart rate
- Breathing rapidly (hyperventilation)
- Sweating
- Trembling
- Feeling weak or tired
- Trouble concentrating or thinking about anything other than the present worry
- Having trouble sleeping
- Experiencing gastrointestinal (GI) problems
- Having difficulty controlling worry
- Having the urge to avoid things that trigger anxiety
When to see a doctor
See your doctor if:
- You feel like you're worrying too much and it's interfering with your work, relationships or other parts of your life
- Your fear, worry or anxiety is upsetting to you and difficult to control
- You feel depressed, have trouble with alcohol or drug use, or have other mental health concerns along with anxiety
- You think your anxiety could be linked to a physical health problem
- You have suicidal thoughts or behaviors — if this is the case, seek emergency treatment immediately
Your worries may not go away on their own, and they may get worse over time if you don't seek help. See your doctor or a mental health provider before your anxiety gets worse. It's easier to treat if you get help early.
Causes
The causes of anxiety are varied and that is why it is recommended to consult a specialist in a timely manner.
Life experiences such as traumatic events appear to trigger anxiety disorders in people who are already prone to anxiety.
Inherited traits also can be a factor.
For some people, anxiety may be linked to an underlying health issue.
Sometimes this feeling is a side effect of the medication.
Alcohol intake, other mental health problems, stress levels and more should also be considered.
source:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/anxiety/symptoms-causes/syc-20350961
