ANXIETY DISORDERS , CAUSES, SYMPTOMS AND TREATMENTS
What Is Anxiety Disorder?
Anxiety is a feeling that is characterized by an unpleasant state of inner turmoil and includes fears about upcoming events. Anxiety is different from fear in that fear is defined as the emotional response to a present threat, whereas anxiety is the anticipation of a future one.
Types of Anxiety Disorders
Symptoms
- Panic, fear, and uneasiness
- Feelings of panic, doom, or danger
- Sleep problems or feeling tired
- Not being able to stay calm and still
- Cold, sweaty, numb, or tingling hands or feet
- Shortness of breath
- Breathing faster and more quickly than normal (hyperventilation)
- Heart palpitations or increased heart rate
- Trembling
- Dry mouth
- Gastrointestinal (GI) issues
- Nausea
- Tense muscles
- Dizziness or feeling weak
- Thinking about a problem over and over again and unable to stop (rumination)
- Inability to concentrate
- Intensely or obsessively avoiding feared objects or places
Causes of Anxiety Disorder
Genetics. Anxiety disorders can run in families.
Chemistry in the brain Anxiety disorders may be caused by faulty brain circuits that control fear and emotions, according to some research.
Environmental stress. This refers to stressful events you have seen or lived through. Life events often linked to anxiety disorders include childhood abuse and neglect, the death of a loved one, or being attacked or seeing violence.
Drug or alcohol withdrawal or misuse. Certain drugs may be used to hide or decrease certain anxiety symptoms. Anxiety disorder often goes hand in hand with alcohol and substance use.
Medical conditions. Anxiety disorders can resemble or worsen the symptoms of certain heart, lung, and thyroid conditions. GI disorders (such as irritable bowel syndrome), respiratory conditions (such as asthma), and tumors that create certain hormones can be linked to anxiety.
It’s important to get a full physical exam to rule out other medical conditions when talking to your doctor about anxiety. Additionally, anxiety symptoms may be a precursor to a medical condition. a few medications. Withdrawal from certain medications, such as anti-anxiety drugs, can cause anxiety symptoms.
Risk Factors for Anxiety Disorder.
Mental health conditions. If you have certain mental health conditions, such as depression, it raises your risk for anxiety disorder.
Childhood sexual abuse. Emotional, physical, and sexual abuse or neglect during childhood is linked to anxiety disorders later in life.
Trauma. Living through a traumatic event raises the risk of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which can cause panic attacks.
Negative life events. Stressful or negative life events, such as losing a parent in early childhood, increase your risk for anxiety disorder. Experiencing more than one smaller stressful event can also put you at risk.
Severe illness or persistent health problem. You can feel overwhelmed and anxious if you constantly worry about your health, the health of a loved one, or taking care of someone who is ill. Substance abuse. The use of alcohol and illegal drugs makes you more likely to get an anxiety disorder. Some people also use these substances to hide or ease anxiety symptoms.
Being shy as a child. Shyness and withdrawal from unfamiliar people and places during childhood can be linked to social anxiety in teens and adults.
Low self-esteem. Negative perceptions about yourself may lead to social anxiety disorder.
Managing Anxiety Disorder Symptoms
Learn more about your condition. The more you know, the better prepared you will be to manage symptoms and problems along the way. Don’t be afraid to ask your doctor any questions you might have. Remember, you are a key part of your health care team.
Stick to your treatment plan. Suddenly stopping your meds can cause unpleasant side effects and even trigger anxiety symptoms.
Reduce your caffeine intake. Avoid foods and drinks containing caffeine, such as coffee, tea, cola, energy drinks, and chocolate. Caffeine is a mood-altering drug, and it may make symptoms of anxiety disorders worse.
Don’t use alcohol and recreational street drugs. Substance abuse increases your risk of anxiety disorders.
Eat right and exercise. Brisk aerobic exercises, such as jogging and biking, help release brain chemicals that cut stress and improve your mood.
Get better sleep. Sleep problems and anxiety disorder often go hand in hand. Make getting good rest a priority. Follow a relaxing bedtime routine. Talk to your doctor if you still have trouble sleeping.
Learn to unwind. Stress management is an important part of your anxiety disorder treatment plan. Things like meditation or mindfulness can help you unwind after a stressful day and may make your treatment work better.
Comments
Post a Comment