Anxiety Disorders

Introduction

Everyone becomes worried and threatened in their lives, such as during examinations, visits to doctors, and other such situations, and becomes tense, which we commonly call anxiety. Anxiety encompasses all forms of tension and worry. Whereas anxiety disorders are when we are excessively worried, high anxiety levels disturb and interfere with effective functioning. It is a psychological condition in which people experience various symptoms such as sweating, shortness of breath, and triggers by a specific circumstance. It differs from normal worrying because it has specific symptoms that necessitate psychological treatment, which we will discuss in detail in this article.

Anxiety Disorders

Anxiety is commonly defined as a diffuse, nebulous, and extremely unpleasant feeling of fear and apprehension. Anxiety disorders are mental health conditions in which a person becomes fearful and dreadful and exhibits severe anxiety symptoms such as shivering and heart pounding. These anxiety disorders go beyond normal nervousness and mild fear, making it challenging to get through the day.

Anxiety Disorder Symptoms

As there are various types of anxiety, no single set of anxiety disorder symptoms applies to all. But first, let’s go over some of the more general symptoms of anxiety: 

Physical symptoms

• Excessive sweating
• Dry mouth
• Numb and tingly hands 
• Pounding heartbeat
• Shivering

Mental Symptoms

• The feeling of excessive fear and uneasiness
• Repeated thoughts of the traumatic incident 
• Nightmares 
• Overthinking 
• Excessive panic 

Behavioural symptoms

• Trouble sleeping 
• Unable to stay relaxed and calm 
• Ritualistic behaviour like repeatedly hand washing

Types of Anxiety Disorders 

Anxiety disorders are classified into several types based on their symptoms and the triggers that cause them.

Generalised Anxiety Disorder

GAD is the most common anxiety disorder. You may feel unexplained and intense fear without any trigger in this condition. These anxiety disorder symptoms include worry and apprehension about the future and hypervigilance, which causes a person to be restless, visibly shaky, and tense. 

Panic Disorder

Another type of disorder is panic disorder, characterised by recurrent anxiety attacks that cause the person to experience intense terror. In this case, a specific stimulus causes unprecedented terror. Trembling, dizziness, shortness of breath, and other symptoms are common.

Phobias

Phobias are irrational fears associated with specific objects, people, or situations, such as a fear of water or heights. Phobias frequently emerge gradually or as a result of a generalised anxiety disorder.

These are classified into three major categories: particular phobias, social phobias, and acrophobia. 

Special Phobia

This is the most typical form of panic disorder. It includes irrational fears such as a strong fear of a specific animal or confined space.

Social Phobias

A feeling of overpowering worry and self-consciousness in everyday social situations is a symptom of social phobia or social anxiety disorder. You may be concerned that others will judge you or that you will embarrass yourself or expose yourself to ridicule.

Agoraphobia

When people develop a fear of entering unfamiliar situations, this is referred to as agoraphobia. Many people who have agoraphobia are terrified of leaving their homes. As a result, their ability to engage in normal life activities is severely limited.

Separation anxiety disorder

Another type of anxiety disorder is separation anxiety disorder (SAD).

Individuals suffering from separation anxiety disorder are excessively fearful and anxious about being separated from attachment figures. It is most prevalent in children.

Anxiety Disorder Treatment

Anxiety disorder, like any other mental health condition, needs a treatment plan that is a combination of medicine and psychotherapy. 

Medication treatment 

Certain medications for anxiety are listed to treat anxiety disorders.

Anxiety medications

Certain anti-anxiety medications, such as benzodiazepines, reduce anxiety, panic, and worry.

Antidepressants

These, along with anti-anxiety medications, help with anxiety disorders. They change how your brain processes certain chemicals to improve mood and reduce stress.

Beta-blockers

If high blood pressure is one of the symptoms, beta-blockers are usually prescribed. They can help with rapid heartbeat, trembling, and shaking.

Psychotherapy

Counselling sessions, in addition to medication, counselling sessions are effective in controlling anxiety symptoms because they teach you how to deal with your emotional response to the illness.

Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) 

CBT is the most commonly used type of psychotherapy to treat anxiety disorders. CBT for anxiety teaches you to identify thoughts and behaviours that lead to distressing feelings.

Exposition therapy

It frequently focuses on dealing with the fears that underpin the anxiety disorder. It encourages you to participate in activities or situations you may have previously avoided. Relaxation exercises and imagery may also be used in conjunction with exposure therapy by your provider.

Conclusion

Anxiety disorders must be treated, just like any other medical condition like diarrhoea or a viral infection. Anxiety is frequently characterised by widespread feelings of uneasiness, worry, and fear, but when these symptoms persist and begin to interfere with your daily life, anxiety disorders develop. Though the primary symptoms differ depending on the type, the common symptoms, such as excessive worry, remain the same. Anxiety can be treated using both medical and psychotherapy methods, and the combination of both methods gives the best result. However, it is necessary to treat it to live a healthy life.