What Are Anxiety Disorders?

Anxiety is a normal stress reaction and helps alert you to danger. Everyone feels anxious sometimes—like before an exam, a big decision, or a work problem.

However, anxiety disorders are different. They are mental health conditions that cause constant, intense fear and worry that can interfere with daily life, work, school, and relationships.

With proper treatment and support, most people with anxiety disorders can successfully manage their symptoms.

Types of Anxiety Disorders:

There are several types of anxiety disorders, including:

• Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): Constant and excessive worry about everyday activities.
• Panic Disorder: Sudden, intense fear (panic attacks) with symptoms like chest pain, sweating, or a racing heart, often followed by fear of another attack.
• Social Anxiety Disorder: Extreme fear of social situations and being judged or embarrassed.
• Phobias: Intense fear of specific objects or situations, such as heights or flying.
• Agoraphobia: Fear of places where escape may be difficult, like crowds or public transport.
• Separation Anxiety Disorder: Severe anxiety when separated from a loved one.
• Medication-Induced Anxiety Disorder: Anxiety caused by certain drugs or withdrawal.
• Other/Unspecified Anxiety Disorders: Anxiety that causes distress but doesn’t fit a specific category.

Anxiety Disorder Symptoms (Short Version)

The main symptom of anxiety disorders is excessive fear or constant worry. Symptoms can affect both the mind and body and may vary depending on the type of disorder.

Common symptoms include:

• Panic, fear, or a feeling of danger
• Trouble sleeping or constant tiredness
• Restlessness or inability to stay calm
• Fast breathing or shortness of breath
• Rapid heartbeat (palpitations)
• Sweating, trembling, or dry mouth
• Nausea or stomach problems
• Dizziness or weakness
• Muscle tension
• Difficulty concentrating
• Repetitive worrying (rumination)
• Avoiding certain places or situations due to fear

These symptoms can interfere with daily life if not properly managed.

Causes of Anxiety Disorders:

The exact cause of anxiety disorders isn’t fully understood, but several factors may contribute:

• Genetics: Anxiety can run in families.
• Brain chemistry: Imbalances in brain circuits that control fear and emotions.
• Environmental stress: Traumatic or stressful life events, such as abuse, loss of a loved one, or violence.
• Substance use or withdrawal: Alcohol, drugs, or withdrawal from certain substances can trigger anxiety.
• Medical conditions: Heart, lung, thyroid, GI issues, and other health problems can cause or worsen anxiety symptoms.
• Certain medications: Withdrawal from some medicines, including anti-anxiety drugs, may lead to anxiety symptoms.

A proper medical checkup is important to rule out other health conditions.

Risk Factors for Anxiety Disorders:

Certain factors can increase the risk of developing an anxiety disorder, including:

• Other mental health conditions, such as depression
• Childhood abuse or neglect (emotional, physical, or sexual)
• Traumatic experiences, including events that may lead to PTSD
• Stressful or negative life events, such as loss or major life changes
• Chronic illness or serious health conditions
• Substance abuse, including alcohol or drugs
• Shyness in childhood, especially in social situations
• Low self-esteem
• Family history of anxiety disorders

Some risk factors cannot be changed, but understanding them can help in early prevention and treatment.

Anxiety Disorder Diagnosis:

If you have symptoms, your doctor will review your medical history and perform a physical exam to rule out other health conditions. There are no specific lab tests to diagnose anxiety disorders.

If no physical cause is found, you may be referred to a psychiatrist, psychologist, or mental health specialist. They will ask questions and use assessment tools to evaluate your symptoms, including how long they’ve lasted and how severe they are.

It’s important to tell your doctor if anxiety is affecting your daily life at home, work, or school. Early screening is recommended for children, teens, and adolescents to detect anxiety and related conditions.

Anxiety Disorder Treatments:

Anxiety disorders are usually treated with medication, therapy, or a combination of both.

Medications

• Antidepressants (SSRIs & SNRIs): First-line treatment for anxiety.
• Bupropion: Another antidepressant sometimes used.
• Tricyclics & MAOIs: Older antidepressants, used less often due to side effects.
• Benzodiazepines: Provide short-term relief of severe anxiety.
• Beta-blockers: Help control physical symptoms such as a rapid heartbeat.
• Anticonvulsants & low-dose antipsychotics: Sometimes used off-label.
• Buspirone: Used for chronic anxiety, but may take weeks to work.

Therapy

• Psychotherapy (Talk Therapy): Helps you understand and manage your thoughts and emotions.
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Teaches you to change negative thinking patterns and gradually face fears (exposure therapy).

With proper treatment, most people can effectively manage anxiety symptoms.

Managing Anxiety Disorder Symptoms:

You can help control anxiety symptoms with healthy habits and support:

• Learn about your condition and follow your treatment plan.
• Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and drugs, as they can worsen anxiety.
• Eat healthy and exercise regularly to reduce stress and improve mood.
• Get enough sleep and maintain a relaxing bedtime routine.
• Practice relaxation techniques like meditation or mindfulness.
• Write in a journal to manage worries and thoughts.
• Challenge negative thinking, possibly with CBT techniques.
• Stay socially connected with friends and supportive people.
• Join a support group to share experiences and encouragement.

Healthy lifestyle changes, combined with proper treatment, can greatly improve anxiety symptoms.

Living With Anxiety Disorders:

Living with an anxiety disorder can feel exhausting and overwhelming due to constant worry and fear. Seeking medical help is an important first step toward recovery. Finding the right treatment may take time, and some people may need a combination of medications and counseling. With proper care and support, most people can successfully manage their symptoms and live a healthy, fulfilling life.

Reference:
https://www.nhsinform.scot/healthy-living/mental-wellbeing/anxiety-and-panic/how-to-deal-with-panic-and-anxiety/
https://www.helpguide.org/mental-health/anxiety/tips-for-dealing-with-anxiety
https://mpowerminds.com/blog/managing-mental-panic-strategies-to-cope-with-anxiety-attacks
https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/11-tips-for-coping-with-an-anxiety-disorder
https://www.mindtalk.in/blogs/how-to-overcome-anxiety
https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/anxiety-and-panic-attacks/self-care/

Medications that have been suggested by doctors worldwide are available on the link below
https://mygenericpharmacy.com/category/products/anxiety