What is anxiety?

It is normal to feel anxious before an event such as a test.

Anxiety is usually temporary. An anxiety disorder is characterized by severe, frequent worry. Stress can be so powerful that it prevents them from performing their usual activities.

Anxiety disorders can be expected. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), approximately 19,1% of adult Americans have an anxiety disorder.

Types of anxiety disorders

We describe the different types of anxiety disorders.

Agoraphobia

The fear of being in a space where you can’t escape or get help when something goes wrong is called agoraphobia.

This type of phobia causes people to avoid certain places or situations. They might avoid public transport or crowds. In severe cases, some people can become housebound.

Generalized anxiety disorder

GAD is characterized by constant worry about everyday issues. The anxiety may have no obvious  trigger or cause. This chronic condition may cause muscle tension, irritability, and difficulty sleeping.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). is characterized by distressing and intrusive thoughts. A person can manage them through repetitive behaviors, which provide temporary relief.

Examples include washing hands compulsively out of fear of contamination. A person may become more anxious if they do not follow the compulsion.

Phobias

Agoraphobia or fear is phobia. There are many other types of phobias. Arachnophobia, for example, is a common, mild phobia. Some may cause more disruption to a person’s life.

Panic disorder

panic attacks are common in people with panic disorder. These panic attacks can cause symptoms similar to those of a heartattack.

Post-traumatic Stress Disorder

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) may develop when a person has experienced trauma. PTSD can develop after a trauma such as an assault, accident or natural disaster.

Some people experience symptoms that are transient. Others will have PTSD for a long time.

Selective Mutism

This rare disorder causes people to avoid speaking despite being able to. are usually very shy. They are afraid of social judgement and embarrassment.

Separation anxiety

Separation Anxiety is common in children but it can also affect adults.

This type of anxiety disorder is characterized by a fear of being separated from those closest to you.

Social anxiety disorder

A fear of social interaction characterizes this anxiety disorder. Typically, they are afraid of social humiliation.

What is anxiety attack?

An anxiety or panic attack is a sudden, intense burst that causes physical symptoms. Symptoms include chest pain, dizziness, and difficulty breathing.

Some people interchange the terms panic attack and anxiety attack. Anxiety attacks can last anywhere between 5-30 minute.

People who have panic attacks are often afraid of having another one. Many people will go to extreme lengths to avoid situations that could trigger another panic attack.

Symptoms of panic attacks

The symptoms of a panic disorder are not life-threatening , despite the intensity. These include:

• Sweating
• Shake your body
• Trembling
• dizziness
• Shortness of breath and panting
• nausea
• heart palpitations
• Increased heart rate
• depersonalization
• Hot and cold flushes

These symptoms can be experienced by some people with chronic anxiety. The intensity and suddenness of the physical sensations make a panic disorder different.

Anxiety causes

There are many causes of anxiety. A variety of factors can cause anxiety disorders.

• Environment The environment in which a person lives, their upbringing and the home they live in have a significant impact on anxiety. A study from 2014 suggests that certain parenting styles may increase the risk for anxiety disorders.
• Genetics People with a history of anxiety disorders in their family are more likely than others to develop an anxiety disorder.
• Health conditions:Some conditions, such as thyroid or heart problems, can cause anxiety symptoms.

Women are more likely than men to suffer from anxiety disorders.

Treatments

Treatment options are available for anxiety disorders. Treatment options will depend on the type of anxiety disorder.

There are many ways to treat anxiety, including:

Psychotherapy

Standard treatments for anxiety disorders include talk therapies such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).

CBT helps individuals who suffer from anxiety learn to deal with their anxious thoughts and feelings in a different way. CBT may also include exposure therapy to treat phobias. This involves a person intentionally and gradually exposing themselves their fear.

Medicines

Some medications, like antidepressants or anti-anxiety drugs, can help reduce symptoms of anxiety disorders. They are helpful for those with severe symptoms.

Beta-blockers may be prescribed by a doctor to a person with panic disorder. Beta-blockers help to reduce the physical symptoms associated with anxiety, including rapid heartbeats and shaking.

Management

Self-care techniques can help people manage their anxiety. These methods should not be used by people with severe anxiety to replace the help of a mental health specialist.

Support Groups

Support groups provide people with anxiety with a safe place to share their stories with others who can relate. spiritual groups focusing on forgiveness and compassion may also help some people who suffer from anxiety.

Relaxation techniques

Such as, can reduce anxiety by calming the nervous system.

• Spending time in nature
• Meditation and mindfulness
• Fun activities that people enjoy

Lifestyle Changes

Caffeine and nutritional deficiencies may exacerbate anxiety. Exercise and a diet rich in nutrients can also help reduce stress.

An individual with anxiety disorder can benefit from the following:

• reducing caffeine intake
• Focus on whole foods such as fruit, vegetables and fish
• getting regular exercise

Summary

Anxiety disorders can be very disruptive. PTSD, OCD and GAD are all types of anxiety disorders.

A combination of medication and therapy may be used to treat an anxiety disorder. If anxiety is affecting your everyday life, you should seek help.