What is Anxiety and Symptoms?

Everybody experiences anxiety at some point but if the anxiety is persistent and severe, then you could be suffering from an anxiety disorder. You may seek treatment for your symptoms.

Psychotherapy (also called "talk therapy") and medicines are both choices for treatment. Medications can reduce your anxiety and fear. Speak to your doctor to determine which medicine is best for you.

Symptoms

It is normal to be anxious at times. This feeling is usually gone when the source of high functioning anxiety symptoms is eliminated. It is recommended to consult a physician when your anxiety or nervousness is excessive or affecting your daily activities. They can assist you in determining the source of your symptoms and diagnose whether you have an anxiety disorder.

There are a variety of types of anxiety disorders, and each has distinct symptoms. Generalized anxiety disorder, phobias and panic disorder are among the most well-known. Other disorders include social anxiety withdrawal symptoms (from the Telegra blog) disorder, agoraphobia and obsessive compulsive disorder. Selective mutism is an anxiety disorder that causes you to avoid speaking in certain situations even though you could speak normally in other settings, and it mostly affects children. People who suffer from more than one anxiety disorder could experience symptoms from all of them at the same time.

The symptoms of anxiety vary for everyone, and they can affect your whole body or just specific areas of it. Certain symptoms are physical, like a rapid heartbeat or feeling like you're in a coma. Some symptoms are more emotional. For example you may feel overwhelmed or out-of-control.

Anxiety disorders are common but they can be treated. Your doctor will begin by asking you questions about your symptoms and how they affect your life. They could also use an instrument to gauge the intensity of your symptoms as well as how long they have lasted. Your doctor could also conduct tests to determine if there is a physical symptoms of anxiety and stress issue that could be causing your symptoms of anxiety disorders, for example thyroid problems or asthma.

Most people with anxiety disorders respond well to psychotherapy or "talk therapy," and sometimes to medication. Talk therapy such as cognitive behavior therapy and exposure can help you think, act and behave in a more relaxed way. The medications used to combat anxiety include antidepressants as well as drugs that help to calm the central nervous system, like benzodiazepines and beta-blockers. There are other natural remedies that can ease your symptoms, including meditation and exercise. Reduce your caffeine intake, because it may cause symptoms to become worse and interfere with sleep.

Diagnosis

Anxiety symptoms can be confused with other mental health conditions. A medical professional must carefully examine you in order to make an appropriate diagnosis. Your doctor will ask about your current and past symptoms and how they impact your daily routine. They might also utilize questionnaires in order to identify specific anxiety disorders. The healthcare provider will probably consult the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) to find the correct diagnosis. This is the most commonly used source for diagnosing mental illness.

A health care professional will typically rule out physical causes for the symptoms, such as an issue with the heart or infection. They may recommend urine or blood tests to determine if there is an underlying medical issue. They may also suggest a mental test or a physical exam based on your symptoms.

Symptoms of anxiety can include difficulty concentrating muscles, tension in the body or a feeling of being tense or fatigued easily. Some people experience difficulty sleeping. Doctors may prescribe medications, such as anticonvulsants (used to prevent seizures in patients with epilepsy) or antidepressants. Buspirone (BuSpar) is an antipsychotic drug that is administered in an extremely low dose, can aid in reducing anxiety symptoms. Psychotherapy is also available that involves speaking with a mental health professional and learning to alter your mental habits.

People suffering from anxiety disorders are at an increased risk of contracting certain diseases, including heart disease. They also have a higher chance of experiencing serious side effects from certain medications. A history of abuse or trauma as a child may increase your risk for depression and anxiety. A chronic medical condition can also cause anxiety and make your symptoms worse.

Anxiety is a natural part of being human, and a majority of people experience it at some time in their lives. If your anxieties and worries begin to interfere with your daily life or if they continue to linger for a period of months or weeks it is possible to seek help. The experts at NYU Langone can diagnose anxiety disorders and provide treatment that will make you feel better. We can also refer you to a community mental health program to continue therapy and support.

Treatment

Fortunately anxiety disorders can be treated. Treatment typically consists of medication and psychotherapy. Psychotherapy or talk therapy is a kind of counseling that teaches you how to manage your symptoms. There are also alternative health practices beneficial like meditation and exercise.

First, you should consult an expert doctor to determine the cause of the physical. If your doctor does not believe that there is a physical cause, you could be referred for evaluation to an expert in mental health. People with generalized anxiety disorder worry excessively and feel constantly stressed. They also have trouble relaxing, have difficulty concentrating, and often have tension in their muscles or sleep issues.

If you have panic disorder, you experience an intense and sudden fear that can cause chest pain, a pounding heartbeat (palpitations) lightheadedness, sweating or feeling like you're having an attack on your heart or another serious disease. You may avoid situations you fear could trigger an attack. You might feel anxious and self-conscious when are around other people if suffer from social anxiety disorder. You might be afraid that others might judge or mock you, which could cause you to stay away from social or work activities.

Certain medications can ease the physical symptoms associated with anxiety disorders, such as trembling, rapid heartbeat, and nausea. You may have to try different medications before you can find one that works for you. Antidepressants, such as those that fall under the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) or serotonin and norepinephrine receptor inhibitor (SNRI) classes, are generally the first medications doctors prescribe for anxiety. They include escitalopram (Lexapro) and the fluoxetine (Prozac), duloxetine (Cymbalta), and Venlafaxine (Effexor XR). Benzodiazepines, such as diazepam (Valium) or alprazolam (Xanax), are sometimes used to treat anxiety symptoms, but they can become addictive.

Psychotherapy for anxiety disorders can help you identify and change the irrational thoughts that contribute to your symptoms. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most popular type of psychotherapy to combat anxiety. Your therapist will help you develop the skills to redirect your attention away from fearful and worrying thoughts, and help you gradually face the things that cause you to be nervous.

Self-help

Self-help methods can be used to ease anxiety symptoms. Some of these techniques include relaxing exercises, getting enough sleep and avoiding foods that could cause anxiety attacks. It is also crucial to take your medication as prescribed. One may have to test several medications before settling on the most appropriate one.

A balanced diet that includes vegetables, fish and whole grains may reduce the severity of anxiety symptoms. It is also helpful to stay clear of caffeine and other stimulants such as cola or coffee. Exercise helps burn off stress chemicals and promote relaxation.

A mental health professional can help ease anxiety. Psychotherapy can help people understand the causes of anxiety and teach them coping skills. Psychotherapy can include cognitive behavioral therapy, as well as other kinds of talk therapies like acceptance and commitment therapy, or exposure therapy.

People who suffer from anxiety may develop a phobia which is a ferocious fear of a particular thing or circumstance. Certain people experience health anxiety which make them fear that every pain or ache is a sign that they are suffering from illness. Health anxiety can be caused by a variety of factors, such as the presence of a physical illness and an ancestral history.

Individuals suffering from anxiety can benefit from speaking with a therapist who is specialized in this kind of disorder. Your primary care physician can recommend a therapist, or a mental-health facility. You could also consult your family and friends for recommendations. You should also look over your health insurance policy to determine whether it covers psychotherapy.

The use of medications are also used to treat anxiety. Antidepressants, also referred to as benzodiazepines and sedatives, can swiftly alleviate anxiety. However, they're not intended for long-term usage. People suffering from anxiety should discuss the benefits, risks and adverse effects of these medications with their doctor.

Anxiety is often an ordinary emotion but if it causes problems with daily life and persists, it can become disabling. It's a good idea visit your primary healthcare provider or seek referral to a mental health professional in case you experience frequent, intense worries or other symptoms. If you're having trouble dealing with anxiety, consider joining an online support group for those who are experiencing similar issues.