What is Anxiety and Symptoms?

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

Treatment options include psychotherapy (or "talk therapy") and medication. The use of medications can reduce anxiety and fear. Consult your physician to find out which medication is right for you.

Signs and symptoms

Feeling anxious from time the same time is normal and generally goes away when the source of the anxiety is cured. It is recommended to consult a physician if your anxiety or nervousness is severe or affects your daily routine. They can assist you in diagnosing anxiety disorders and pinpoint the root of the problem.

There are a variety of types of anxiety disorders. Each one has its own symptoms. Generalized anxiety disorder, phobias, and panic disorder are a few of the most prevalent. Others include social anxiety disorder (formerly called hypochondria) agoraphobia, obsessive compulsive disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Selective mutism is an anxiety disorder that causes you to avoid speaking in certain situations, even though you can speak normally in other situations and is most commonly affecting children. Individuals with more than one anxiety disorder can suffer from symptoms from all of them simultaneously.

The symptoms of anxiety may vary for each individual and may affect the entire body or specific parts. Certain symptoms anxiety are physical, such as a quick pulse or choking feeling. Other symptoms are more emotional, like feeling overwhelmed or out of control.

Anxiety disorders are common but they can be treated. Your healthcare provider will start by asking you questions about your symptoms and how they impact your life. They may also utilize an instrument to measure the intensity of your symptoms and the long they've been lasting. Your doctor may also conduct tests to determine if you have a physical issue that could be causing your symptoms, such as asthma or thyroid issues.

The majority of people suffering from anxiety disorders respond well to psychotherapy, also known as "talk therapy," and sometimes to medication. Cognitive behavior therapy and exposure therapy are two kinds of therapy that help you learn better ways to think and react so that you're less anxious. Beta-blockers, antidepressants, and medications that calm down the central nervous system are all used to combat anxiety. There are also natural treatments that can ease your symptoms, such as meditation and exercise. Reduce your intake of caffeine, because it may cause symptoms to become worse and interfere with sleep.

Diagnosis

Anxiety symptoms are often mistaken for other mental conditions. A medical professional must carefully evaluate you to make an appropriate diagnosis. Your doctor will inquire about your symptoms, past and present and how they impact your daily routine. They may also use questionnaires to determine specific anxiety disorders. The health professional will likely consult the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) to identify the right diagnosis. This is the standard source for diagnosing mental illness.

A medical specialist will usually determine the cause of the symptoms, such as a heart condition or an infection. They may suggest blood or urine testing to determine if there are medical reasons. Based on your symptoms anxiety they might also suggest an assessment of your mental health or physical exam.

Anxiety symptoms include difficulty in concentrating and muscle tension or feeling tense or easily tired. Some people have trouble sleeping. The doctor may prescribe medication like anticonvulsants (used to prevent seizures in people with epilepsy) or antidepressants. A low dose of an antipsychotic drug, such as buspirone (BuSpar) can help reduce anxiety symptoms. Psychotherapy is also a possibility by talking to a mental health professional and learning how to change your thinking patterns.

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

Anxiety is a normal aspect of being human, and the majority of people have it at some point throughout their lives. However, if your worries and anxieties begin to interfere with your everyday life, or if they last for weeks or months, it might be time to seek treatment. The experts at NYU Langone can diagnose anxiety disorders and provide treatment that will make you feel better. We can also recommend a mental health clinic in your community to continue therapy and support.

Treatment

Fortunately anxiety disorders can be treated. Treatment typically includes medication and psychotherapy. Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, is a type of counseling that can help you learn ways to manage your symptoms and reduce anxiety. There are also alternative health practices beneficial such as meditation and exercise.

In the beginning, you should talk to an expert doctor to rule out physical causes. If your doctor does not believe there is a physical cause, you could be referred for an evaluation to an expert in mental health. People suffering from generalized anxiety disorder are constantly worried and feel constantly anxious. They also have trouble relaxing, have difficulty concentrating, and often have tension in their muscles or sleep issues.

If you suffer from anxiety disorder, you could be afflicted with intense fear. This can cause chest pain and palpitations (pounding heartbeat) sweating, lightheadedness or the feeling that you're having a heartattack or another serious disease. You may avoid situations you fear could trigger an attack. You might feel anxious and self-conscious when are with people if you suffer from social anxiety disorder. You may be worried that people might judge or mock you, and this could lead to staying away from work or social activities.

Certain medications can ease the physical symptoms of anxiety disorders, such as shaking, rapid heartbeat, and nausea. You may need to try various medications before you discover the one that is effective for you. Antidepressants such as those in the selective serotonin-reuptake inhibit (SSRI) and serotonin norepinephrine-reuptake inhibition (SNRI) are usually the first medicines that doctors prescribe to treat anxiety symptoms treatment. They include fluoxetine, escitalopram (Prozac) and venlafaxine and duloxetine. Benzodiazepines, such as alprazolam (Xanax) or diazepam (Valium) are used to treat anxiety, however, they can be addictive.

Psychotherapy for anxiety disorders can help you understand and alter the thoughts that cause your symptoms. The most commonly used form of psychotherapy used to treat anxiety is cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT. Your therapist can teach you how to focus your attention away from fearful and worrisome thoughts, as well as assist you in overcoming the things that cause you to be anxious.

Self-help

Self-help techniques can be used to reduce anxiety symptoms. Some of these techniques include relaxation exercises, ensuring adequate rest and avoiding foods which can trigger an anxiety attack. Following the prescriptions for medication is also important. A person may need to try several medications before finding the right one.

A balanced diet that is rich in vegetables, fish and whole grains can help reduce anxiety symptoms. Avoiding caffeine and other stimulants such as coffee and cola can help too. Regular exercise helps to burn off stress chemicals and encourages relaxation.

A mental health professional can help ease anxiety. Psychotherapy can help people recognize the causes of anxiety and teach them strategies for coping. Psychotherapy could involve cognitive behavior therapy or other types of therapy such as exposure therapy or acceptance and commitment therapy.

Certain people suffering from anxiety might develop a fear which is a ferocious fear of a specific object or event. Some people develop health anxieties which make them fear that every ache or pain is a sign that they are sick. The causes of anxiety are varied, but they can include a history of physical illness or a family history of medical issues.

A therapist with a specialization in anxiety may be a great resource for those suffering from this condition. Your primary care physician may refer you to a therapist, or a mental-health center. You can also ask your friends and family for recommendations. You should also check your health insurance policy to see whether it covers psychotherapy.

Anxiety can be treated by taking medications. Antidepressants, also called benzodiazepines, and sedatives, are able to quickly 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 normal, however it can be a problem when it continues to interfere with your everyday life. It's a good idea see your primary care provider or consult an expert in mental health if you have frequent, intense worries or other symptoms. Consider joining an organization that offers support when you're having trouble coping with your anxiety.