What is Anxiety and Symptoms?

Although everyone experiences anxiety at times but if your anxiety is severe and persistent, it may be a mental health problem. You can seek treatment for your symptoms.

Treatment options include psychotherapy (or "talk therapy") and medication. Certain medications can help reduce anxiety and fear. Discuss with your doctor which medication is right for you.

Symptoms

Being anxious from time to time is normal and usually goes away when the source of the anxiety is eliminated. If your feelings of nervousness or worry are extreme or interfere with daily life it is recommended that you speak to an expert in health. They can help you identify the cause of your symptoms and determine if you suffer from an anxiety disorder.

There are several different types of anxiety disorders. Each has specific symptoms. Generalized anxiety disorder, phobias and panic disorder are some of the most common. Other disorders include social anxiety disorder (formerly known as hypochondria) agoraphobia, obsessive-compulsive disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder. Selective mutism is an anxiety disorder that makes you avoid speaking in certain situations even though you are able to talk normally in other settings, and it mostly affects children. Individuals with more than one anxiety disorder may be affected by all of them at the same time.

Symptoms of anxiety are different for everyone and can affect your whole body or just a few parts of it. Some symptoms can be extremely physical, such as a quick pulse or choking feeling. Certain symptoms are more emotional. For instance, you may feel overwhelmed or agitated.

Anxiety disorders can be treated. Your doctor will inquire with you about your symptoms and the impact they can have on your life. They may also employ a tool to determine how severe your symptoms are and how long they last. Your doctor might also run tests to identify a physical problem that could cause them, such as an asthma-related thyroid condition or a thyroid issue.

Psychotherapy, or "talk therapy" and sometimes, medication can help people with anxiety disorders. Cognitive behavior therapy and exposure therapy are both kinds of talk therapy that can aid you in learning more effective ways to think and behave in a way that you're less worried. The drugs used to treat anxiety include antidepressants and medications that relax the central nervous system, including beta-blockers and benzodiazepines. Meditation and exercise are natural remedies that can help you reduce your symptoms. Reduce your caffeine intake, because it can trigger symptoms to get worse and disrupt sleep.

Diagnosis

Anxiety symptoms are often confused with other mental conditions. A medical professional must be careful in evaluating you to determine a diagnosis. Your doctor will inquire about your current and past symptoms and how they impact your daily life. They may also employ questionnaires to determine specific anxiety disorders. To determine the proper diagnosis the health professional could refer to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th edition). This is the most commonly used reference for diagnosing mental illnesses.

A health specialist will usually rule out physical causes of the symptoms, like an issue with the heart or infection. They may suggest urine or blood tests to identify medical causes. Based on the symptoms you are experiencing they might also suggest the use of a mental health test or a physical exam.

The signs of anxiety could include difficulty concentrating and muscle tension, or the feeling of being tense or easily fatigued. Some people have difficulty sleeping. The doctor may prescribe antidepressants or anticonvulsants to treat epilepsy. Buspirone (BuSpar), an antipsychotic drug in the form of a low dose, may help to reduce anxiety symptoms. Psychotherapy is also available by talking to a mental health specialist and learning how to change your mental habits.

People with anxiety issues are at greater risk for certain diseases like heart disease. They also have a greater chance of having serious side effects from certain medications. Having a history of abuse or trauma as a child can increase the risk of depression and anxiety. A chronic medical condition can cause anxiety and make symptoms worse.

anxiety disorders symptoms is a normal aspect of being human, and the majority of people suffer from it at least once throughout their lives. If your worries and fears start to affect your daily life or if they persist for several months or even weeks, you may need to seek treatment. The experts at NYU Langone can diagnose anxiety disorders and offer treatments that can help you feel better. We can also refer you to a community mental health program for ongoing support and therapy.

Treatment

Fortunately anxiety disorders can be treated. Treatment usually includes medicine and psychotherapy. Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, is a type of counseling that can help you discover ways to manage your symptoms and reduce your anxiety. You might also find other health-related techniques that can be beneficial, such as meditation and exercise.

The first step in treating anxiety is to see an expert doctor to rule out physical causes. If your doctor doesn't believe there's a physical cause you could be advised to see an expert in mental health for an evaluation. People with generalized anxiety disorder tend to worry excessively about everyday events and feel constantly anxious. They also have trouble relaxing, having trouble concentration, and frequently suffer from muscle tension or problems sleeping.

If you suffer from panic disorder, you may be afflicted with intense fear. This can cause chest pain or palpitations (pounding heartbeat) sweating, lightheadedness, or the feeling that you're suffering from a heart attack or another serious illness. You might avoid situations that you believe could trigger an attack. You might feel anxious and self-conscious when you are around people if you suffer from social anxiety disorder. You might be worried that others will judge or tease you, and this can result in staying at away from work or social activities.

Certain medications can help ease the physical symptoms associated with anxiety disorders, including trembling, rapid heartbeat, and nausea. You may have to try various medications before you discover the one that is effective for you. Antidepressants, such as those in the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) or serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) classes, are generally the first medications doctors prescribe to treat anxiety. These include escitalopram (Lexapro), fluoxetine (Prozac) and duloxetine (Cymbalta) and Venlafaxine (Effexor XR). Benzodiazepines such as alprazolam (Xanax) or diazepam (Valium) can be used to treat anxiety, however, they can be addictive.

Psychotherapy can help you recognize irrational thinking that is contributing to the symptoms of anxiety. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most popular form of psychotherapy used to combat anxiety. Your therapist will teach you how to direct your attention away from anxious and worrying thoughts. They can also help you deal with the things that cause you anxiety gradually.

Self-help

Self-help techniques can be used to ease anxiety symptoms. These may include relaxing exercises, getting enough sleep and avoiding foods that can cause an attack. The proper use of medication is also crucial. A person may need to test several medications before settling on the most appropriate one.

A healthy diet rich in vegetables, fish, and whole grains can ease anxiety symptoms. It is also beneficial to avoid caffeine and other stimulants like coffee or cola. Regular exercise burns up stress and anxiety symptoms chemicals and helps to relax.

A mental health professional can assist in easing anxiety. Psychotherapy can help a person recognize the causes of their anxiety and help them develop coping skills. Psychotherapy can include cognitive behavioral therapy, or other forms of talk therapy such as acceptance and commitment therapy, or exposure therapy.

Certain people suffering from anxiety develop a phobia. This is an intense fear of a certain object or situation. Others suffer from health anxiety, where they worry that every pain or ache could be a sign of a serious health issue. The causes of health anxiety can be varied, but could include a past medical history or a family history of medical issues.

People with anxiety can benefit from speaking with a therapist who is specialized in this condition. Your primary care doctor can refer you to an therapist or a mental health clinic. You can also ask friends and family members for recommendations. You should also check your health insurance policy to see whether it covers psychotherapy.

Anxiety can be managed with medications. Sedatives and antidepressants, often known as benzodiazepines, can offer quick relief from anxiety. They are not designed to be used for a long time, however. These medications can be beneficial for people with anxiety. However, they must discuss with their doctor about the risks, benefits, and side effects.

Anxiety is normal, however it can be a problem when it continues to interfere with your everyday life. If you're experiencing constant, excessive worry or other symptoms, it's best to seek out your primary care physician. If you have trouble coping with anxiety, consider joining a support group for people who are experiencing similar issues.