Anxiety
Anxiety is a common mental health condition characterized by feelings of worry, nervousness, or fear that are strong enough to interfere with one's daily activities. It is the most prevalent mental health disorder in the U.S., affecting over 19% of the adult population.
Anxiety can present in different forms:
- Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) involves excessive, uncontrollable worry about everyday things. People with GAD often anticipate disaster and are overly concerned about health, family, work, or other issues.
- Social anxiety disorder involves intense fear over social situations and interactions. Someone with this disorder will go to great lengths to avoid being judged or embarrassed in front of others.
- Panic disorder involves sudden, unexpected panic attacks marked by heart palpitations, shortness of breath, dizziness, or stomach distress. These attacks can occur due to stress, but may arise without any trigger.
- Other types include phobia-related disorders, separation anxiety, etc.
What causes anxiety? Experts aren't sure of the exact causes, but likely factors include:
- Brain chemistry - An imbalance in neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine may play a role.
- Family history and genetics - Anxiety disorders can run in families.
- Environmental stress - Trauma, abuse, grief, work stress, or financial troubles can trigger or worsen anxiety.
Anxiety disorder symptoms can be emotional, physical, cognitive, and behavioral. Common symptoms include:
- Nervousness, restlessness, feeling tense or "on edge"
- Increased heart rate, rapid breathing
- Trouble concentrating or thinking clearly
- Difficulty controlling feelings of worry
- Sleep issues like insomnia
- Avoiding everyday situations that may cause anxiety
When does anxiety become a disorder? Occasional anxiety is normal and does not require treatment. However, if anxiety symptoms are severe enough to frequently interrupt daily function, last for more than 6 months, or cause intense distress, it likely signifies an anxiety disorder.
Getting an accurate diagnosis from a mental health professional is important. They can determine whether symptoms constitute an anxiety disorder based on duration, severity, and degree of life interference.
How is anxiety treated? Today, anxiety is highly treatable using therapy, medication, or often a combination approach:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps identify negative thought patterns fueling anxiety. CBT gives patients tools to challenge irrational worries and alter behavioral responses.
- Exposure therapy gradually exposes patients to their fears in a safe, controlled setting. This helps desensitize them and teach coping strategies.
- Anti-anxiety medications like SNRIs, SSRIs, and benzodiazepines may provide symptom relief.
- Relaxation techniques, exercise, sufficient sleep, and social support also help manage anxiety.
In summary, anxiety disorders involve excessive fear and worry strong enough to impede normal function. But various effective treatment options are available to help patients regain control. Catching and addressing anxiety early is key to minimizing its impact.