We all have had feelings of anxiety at some point in our lives because anxiety is how our bodies naturally respond to stress. Therefore, anxiety is common for anyone all over the world. People identify anxiety in different ways, including suffering, trouble, restlessness, panic, or concern.
Even though anxiety is a familiar feeling, you must know that it can be an anxiety disorder if you have feelings of anxiety for a more extended period and disturbing your life. There are some specific symptoms you will experience when you have an anxiety disorder and the reasons that cause it.
This article will discuss everything you need to know about anxiety disorders, including their symptoms and causes.
What is Anxiety?
Anxiety describes how your body naturally responds to stress, and it is a feeling of fear, nervousness, or uneasiness about what to come. You might have that felling when you went to school for the first time, when going to a job interview, or maybe before giving a speech.
What are Anxiety disorders?
We all know that anxiety is common for anyone and an utterly normal feeling. But this considers as a disorder when you always have feelings of anxiety. In this situation, anxiety will affect your day-to-day life and stop you from doing the things you enjoy the most.
During extreme cases of anxiety, you may prevent doing simple tasks like crossing streets, entering elevators, and even leaving the house.
Studies have been shown that anxiety disorders are the most common type of emotional disorder that can affect anyone at any age of their lives. We will now see the kinds of anxiety disorders.
Types of anxiety disorders
1. Panic disorder
When you have a panic disorder, you may experience recurring panic attacks at unexpected times in your life, and also, you may live in fear of the next panic attack.
2. Phobia
Phobia is an excessive fear of some objects, situations, or activities.
3. Social anxiety disorder
If you have a social anxiety disorder, you will have an excessive fear of being judged by others in social situations.
4. Obsessive-compulsive disorder
This disorder is when repeated irrational thoughts that result in having you perform particular, repeated behaviors.
5. Separation anxiety disorder
This is when you fear being away from your home or loved ones.
6. Illness anxiety disorder
You are anxious about your health (This is formerly called hypochondria)
7. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
People have this disorder when they are anxious following a traumatic event.
Symptoms of anxiety disorders
What are the symptoms of anxiety disorders in men and women? The main symptom of anxiety disorders of both men and women is extreme fear or worry. Some of the symptoms of anxiety disorder can be different depending on the type of anxiety disorder.
- Feeling nervous
- Feeling restless
- Feeling tense
- Sweating
- Experiencing a sense of impending danger, panic, or doom
- Having an increased heart rate
- Breathing rapidly than usual (hyperventilation)
- Trembling
- Feeling weak or tired
- Trouble concentrating or thinking about anything
- Having trouble sleeping
- Having gastrointestinal problems
- Having difficulties in managing worries
- Having the desire to ignore things that cause anxiety
Causes of anxiety disorders
1. Genetics
Genetics plays a significant role in causing anxiety in people. Therefore, anxiety disorders can run in families. So, if you have a family history of anxiety disorder, you must be concerned about your anxious feelings about things.
2. Brain chemistry
One of the other significant causes of anxiety is brain chemistry. Some research and studies have suggested that anxiety disorders can be linked to faulty circuits in the brain that controls people’s fear and emotions.
3. Environmental stress
Environmental distress is another primary cause of anxiety in people. We all go through stressful events in our lives. Such stressful life events are often linked to anxiety disorders of people; childhood abuse and neglect, the death of your loved one, or being attacked or experiencing or seeing violence.
4. Drug withdrawal or misuse
Specific drugs may be used to hide or decrease specific anxiety symptoms. Anxiety disorder often goes hand in hand with alcohol and substance use.
5. Medical conditions
One of the leading causes of anxiety disorders is the medical conditions you are going through. Some heart, lung, and thyroid conditions can lead to symptoms similar to anxiety disorders or make your anxiety symptoms worse.
Therefore, it is crucial to get a complete physical exam to rule out other medical conditions when discussing with your doctor or medical care expert anxiety.
How do you treat anxiety disorder?
When you identify that you have an anxiety disorder, you might not need medical treatment. Lifestyle changes like,
- Getting enough sleep
- Meditating
- Staying active and exercising
- Taking care of your diet
- Avoiding alcohol and caffeine
- Quitting smoking cigarettes
will be enough for you to decrease the symptoms.
But if you are in a moderate or severe stage of anxiety disorder, medical treatment will be needed for you to manage your symptoms. Psychotherapy and medication are the two main categories to treat anxiety disorders. Your medical care professional will recommend you the treatment you need after checking the signs you have.
Conclusion
Anxiety is a familiar feeling that anyone can have in their life. People call the feeling of anxiety with different names. Anxiety disorder comes when you have extreme feelings of anxiety that result in affecting your life badly.
There are some specific types of anxiety disorders and the symptoms and causes for them. So, if you feel like you have this type of disorder or someone you know has them, it is essential to seek medical support to prevent adverse effects.
