Everything You Should Know About Anxiety Disorder

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Let us begin by stating that anxiety is completely normal! this is because it’s the human body’s way of responding to threats, real or perceived.

It aids us in avoiding danger by providing us with the vigilance and energy to do so.

When there is a disorder, anxiety becomes severe. People suffering from anxiety disorders are unable to concentrate, sleep, or complete daily tasks because they perceive situations to be worse than they are.

About anxiety disorder

Anxiety disorder is a medical condition that causes you to be anxious and fearful almost all of the time. It is distinct from normal nervousness and stress.

When you have anxiety, you feel these emotions all the time, and they impair your ability to function normally. When you suffer from anxiety, major life activities such as work, school, or socializing can become difficult or impossible.

There are many different types of anxiety disorders, some of which are more common than others. But they all have one thing in common: they make you feel like your world is falling apart all the time. However, you are not alone. You can get help.

It can strike at any age, but they are most common during adolescence. If you suspect you have an anxiety disorder, encourage yourself to talk to a trusted person about your concerns.

Your doctor or mental health care professional can assist you in determining the type of anxiety you have, recommending the best treatments for you, and assisting you in dealing with your condition.

The symptoms, triggers, and causes of anxiety disorders will be examined in this article. We’ll look at the various types of anxiety disorders and the most common treatments.

Anxiety triggers

This form of mental stress is caused by a combination of internal and external factors. Here are a few examples.

Trauma, both physical and emotional

Anxiety-inducing situations, such as an intense argument with a partner or visiting a doctor for a medical examination can increase the risk of developing an anxiety disorder.
Anxiety can also be caused by fearing something unlikely to happen, such as a dog attack.

Stress

Anxiety can be exacerbated by a stressful situation, such as a big exam.
Some people, however, have sensitive bodies that can’t handle stress well. Even a non-threatening situation can cause anxiety in these cases.

Common types of anxiety disorder

This condition is classified into several types, each with its own set of symptoms. The following are the most common types:

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD):

GAD sufferers are preoccupied with a wide range of issues. Because they are constantly worried, it can be difficult to tell them to relax.
They may be overly concerned about money, health, or work, and may struggle to focus on a single task.

Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD):

People suffering from SAD are overly concerned with being perceived as inadequate or defective in some way by others.
They may be afraid of being judged by others or of being repulsed by them. The fear may be so intense that it interferes with their day-to-day activities.

Panic Disorder (PD);

People with PD experience sudden and intense feelings of distress, which can make them feel as if they are having a heart attack or dying.
They may feel scared and alone, or they may have a sense of impending doom. They will most likely experience anxiety again a few minutes after the symptoms have subsided.

Symptoms

Symptoms of this condition can vary, depending on the type of anxiety the person has, some may include the following.

• Constant and pervasive fear of a specific object, situation, or event, that is out of proportion to the actual risk of occurrence.
• Marked fear or anxiety about the occurrence of an event that is not in the immediate future, or the sudden and unexpected appearance of an object or situation that the person associates with a threat.

Causes

This form of mental stress can develop and manifest itself at any time in a person’s life. It can be caused by a variety of factors. Genetics, biology, and childhood experiences are all risk factors.

Genetics:

This factor illustrates that family members of people with anxiety disorders may be at a higher risk of developing it as well.

This suggests that anxiety is a genetic disorder that runs in families. It is important to note, however, that anxiety disorders are not genetic diseases.

Biology:

Biology may also be a risk factor too. According to some research, people who have a strong ‘fight or flight‘ response to stress are more likely to develop anxiety disorder.

Childhood experiences:

Having a family member with this condition as well as childhood experiences, are other risk factors for developing an anxiety disorder.

People who have experienced childhood trauma, such as abuse, are more likely to develop it as adults.

However, it is important to note that childhood trauma is not always the cause of anxiety disorders.

Treatments

Anxiety cannot be cured. Treatments, on the other hand, can help patients with these disorders get back on track.

Patients may be prescribed medication, therapy, or a combination of the two depending on the type of anxiety disorder.

Medication:

Some of the most common types of medication prescribed for these conditions may include the following.

Antidepressants;

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) antidepressants are the most common types prescribed for anxiety disorders. They help increase serotonin, neurochemistry that helps regulate mood.

Benzodiazepines

These are drugs often recommended for people who have anxiety as well as having a hard time sleeping.

Antianxiety agents;

These are medications meant for short-term use and can be used either alone or in combination with other drugs.

Bupropion (Wellbutrin)

Wellbutrin is a newer antidepressant that has been getting a lot of positive attention recently. It’s a popular antidepressant that’s approved for the treatment of depression and anxiety disorders. It’s sometimes used off-label to treat ADHD and weight loss

Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids;

Systematic reviews have shown that the acids found in certain types of fish and fish oil can help regulate anxiety

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT):

This is a type of talk therapy that assists a person in identifying the thoughts and behaviors that contribute to their problems and working on changes that will improve their mental health.
CBT can help with panic attacks, phobias, OCD, depression, and PTSD, among other things. While it is best known for its use in the treatment of anxiety and related disorders, CBT is also used to treat a variety of other conditions, including chronic pain, insomnia, and addictions.

Exercise:

Many different types of exercise are effective in the treatment of various psychiatric disorders. Exercise, for example, has been shown in studies to help treat the symptoms of depression, bipolar disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Numerous clinical trials have shown that exercise is effective in treating a variety of anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and social anxiety disorder.

Exercise in this sphere is based on the positive effects of physical activity on mood and anxiety. The majority of therapists recommend that their clients engage in regular physical activity to improve their mood and reduce anxiety. Individuals suffering from a phobia, on the other hand, may find that engaging in physical activity has a deeper meaning and a greater impact on their lives.

Conclusion

Anxiety is a natural emotion that assists us in responding to threats. It only becomes a problem when it becomes a disorder. Anxiety sufferers can benefit from therapy and medication.

If you suspect that you suffer from this condition, don’t be afraid to seek help. It is readily available, effective, and cost-free.