Anxiety can occur at any time in response to situations at home, work, school, in relationships, with finances, due to health, or, at times, for no identifiable reason. These occurrences are often temporary, disappearing to allow the individual to continue daily life. Anxiety disorders, however, do not go away. They can interfere with and significantly impact all aspects of life.
Anxiety can be positive at times, as it can alert us to pay more attention to our surroundings and actions. Being aware can prevent accidents or other dangerous occurrences.
Understanding the causes, identifying the symptoms, and finding the proper treatment can significantly impact a person’s life.
What Is Anxiety Disorder?
Anxiety disorders fall under the category of mental health conditions. There are different types of anxiety disorders, including panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, anxiety due to medical conditions, social anxiety disorder, phobia-related disorders, substance-induced anxiety disorder, and separation anxiety disorder.
Anxiety disorders often trigger excessive, intense, and persistent concerns, fear, and worry. Panic attacks can occur quickly, making it difficult to focus on anything else. Some people begin to avoid situations or people that can trigger anxiety and panic.
Women are at a higher risk of developing anxiety disorders, although the precise reasons are unknown. Hormones may play a role due to the natural fluctuations in a woman’s menstrual cycle.
Is there more of a connection between hormones and anxiety to know?
Yes, some hormones do impact the mental state. One of the critical chemicals that can impact anxiety disorders is human growth hormone, which influences receptor cells in various areas of the brain. HGH deficiency can increase anxiety, stress, depression, and mood swings. Discover how to find HGH injections for sale with a doctor’s prescription.
Anxiety disorders can cause the following to occur:
- Overreaction to a situation when a trigger for the anxiety occurs
- Poor quality of life
- Inability to function with daily tasks or responsibilities
- Unable to control responses to a trigger or situation
- Substance abuse to avoid the situation
- Digestive or bowel disorders or problems
- Chronic pain or headaches
- Withdrawal
Causes of Anxiety Disorder
Many things can cause an anxiety disorder, with some being beyond our control. Health issues are often diagnosed in response to the signs and symptoms of anxiety.
- Genetics (blood relative with an anxiety disorder)
- Medical conditions
- Diabetes
- Asthma
- Heart disease
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Thyroid problems
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Chronic pain
- Rare tumors that cause an increase in fight-or-flight hormones
- Long-term health conditions
- Substance use or withdrawal from alcohol or drugs
- Personality (some personality types have a higher risk factor for anxiety disorder)
- Chemical imbalance, including hormonal imbalances and regulatory brain chemicals such as noradrenaline and serotonin
- Stress
- Caused by illness or medical treatment worries
- Due to an event, family problem, work, financial, or other triggering factor
- Medications, including anti-anxiety drugs
- Trauma (having experienced or witnessed a traumatic situation at any time in life)
- Other mental health disorders, including depression
Common Symptoms
Anxiety disorders can result in numerous and varied symptoms. Each person is different, as is the type of anxiety disorder. The following list covers the most common types of symptoms that could occur.
- Restlessness
- Tension
- Nervousness
- Irritability
- Excessive sweating
- Fatigue (feeling tired)
- Weakness
- Rapid breathing (hyperventilating)
- Shortness of breath
- Sleep problems
- Shaking or trembling
- Chronic pain
- Increased heart rate
- Inability to control worry or to be still
- Headaches
- Trouble concentrating
- Inability to think of or focus on anything else
- Stomach aches or other gastrointestinal disorders
- Excessive worry
- Cold or sweaty palms or hands
- Nausea
- Dry mouth
- Muscle tension or aches
- Sense of impending doom
- Avoidance (of triggers)
- Social isolation
- Nightmares
- Panic
Students with anxiety disorders may have trouble functioning at school. Adults may find that they cannot get their jobs done at work. Suicidal thoughts, reduced quality of life, sexual decline, and other issues are possible if anxiety disorders are left untreated.
Treatment for Anxiety Disorder
Seeing a doctor is crucial to getting the help you need if you have an anxiety disorder. Early diagnosis can help you get a handle on the situation quickly. The longer you wait, the more challenging anxiety disorder is to treat.
Treatment can consist of different things, including psychotherapy and medications. Here are some of the ways doctors treat anxiety disorders:
- Antidepressants: These medications help by reducing stress and improving overall mood, but they take time to work. Do not stop taking antidepressants without a doctor’s guidance.
- Anti-anxiety medications: Although they work quickly to decrease anxiety, worry, and panic, medications such as benzodiazepines can become less effective as you build up a tolerance to their actions.
- Beta-Blockers: Often used for high blood pressure, these medications help to relieve some physical symptoms associated with anxiety disorders, including shaking, rapid heartbeat, and trembling.
- Cognitive behavioral therapy: CBT helps people recognize the behaviors and thought patterns influencing troublesome feelings to help change them.
- Exposure therapy: Used to help face and engage the anxiety-triggering situation. Imagery and relaxation therapies may be used in conjunction for better results.
- Natural Remedies: While natural remedies may not eliminate anxiety disorders, they may help reduce symptoms. A healthy diet, exercise, caffeine reduction, and avoiding substances such as alcohol, drugs, and tobacco may help. Staying active can also help. Exercise, see friends, and focus on activities you enjoy.
- Psychotherapy: Working with a doctor who specializes in anxiety disorders is crucial. In some cases, hypnotherapy may help to expose a trigger and lessen its impact on one’s life.
Some people do well with support groups as they can find they are not alone. Speaking openly about your situation and learning what has helped others may provide comfort and relief.
Conclusion
Getting help for your anxiety disorder can help you function better in your daily life. The appropriate treatment can lessen the hold the anxiety has on you.
Seek medical help when any of the following occur:
- Your fears, anxieties, or worries are causing you mental upset and are hard to control.
- Worrying is causing problems in your relationship, family life, work, or other areas of your life.
- You think there may be a health condition causing your concerns.
- Depression, substance use, or other uncontrollable action is present along with any anxiety.
- You have harmful or suicidal behavior or thoughts (seek emergency help).
Anxiety disorders rarely go away on their own and may worsen without help. The sooner you reach out to a doctor for help, the sooner you will feel better and enjoy life again.