• What is an anxiety disorder?
(Understand Anxiety Disorders)
As you know today’s World is so fast and demanding, that’s why we don’t get time to focus on ourselves, in this stressful lifestyle, feelings of anxiety are common.
Anxiety disorders are mental health conditions characterized by excessive, persistent worry and fear that can affect a person’s emotions, thoughts, behaviour and significantly affect routine life.
Anxiety disorders have various types such as generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and specific phobias.
• Occasional anxiety
Occasional anxiety is a normal part of our life, it’s very normal to feel anxiety in certain situations like health, finances, love, family problems or before an important event, before performing in front of a big crowd, etc.
This kind of temporary feeling of anxiety is a normal, and natural response to stress and overthinking, and this kind of anxiety by feeling is temporary and doesn’t last for long period.
In this kind of anxiety, we experience physical symptoms like increased heartbeat, increased breath rate, chest pain and heaviness, lightheadedness, etc.
Remember occasional anxiety is temporary and it is common part of our day to day life, and in most of the cases anxiety symptoms go away by themselves without any treatment or with simple techniques such as meditation, taking deep breaths, or talking to someone for support.
However for some individuals, these feelings of anxiety, worry, fear, and unexplained overthinking can increase so much & strong enough to interfere with an individual’s daily lifestyle, This is called Anxiety Disorder.
• Definition of anxiety disorder
Anxiety Disorder is defined as persistent and excessive worry, fear, or nervousness that can affect a person’s thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.
One thing to notice is that occasional anxiety is ok and normal thing it’s our normal reaction to stress, fear, financial crisis, etc.
But anxiety disorders are different where a person continuously feels anxiety, fear, stress and tension, most of the time without any reason.
What are the Types of anxiety disorder?
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
People with GAD experience excessive, uncontrollable anxious and worry about everyday things, often without a specific cause. They may constantly anticipate disaster and have physical symptoms like hyperventilation, chest pain, restlessness, fatigue, irritability, body aches, and difficulty in concentration.
Panic Disorder:
Individuals with panic disorder have sudden and repeated episodes of intense fear that trigger severe physical symptoms known as panic attacks. These attacks can be so dangerous and may feel like a heart attack, the person feels chest pain, palpitations, shortness of breath, dizziness, and a sense of losing control.
Social Anxiety Disorder (Social Phobia):
This disorder involves an intense fear of social situations and being laughed at or judged by others. People with social anxiety often fear embarrassment or humiliation, leading to avoidance of social gatherings or interactions.
Specific Phobias:
Specific phobias are intense fears of particular objects or situations (i.e. -heights, flying, spiders, needles) that trigger an immediate anxiety response. Individuals with specific phobias may go to great lengths to avoid their triggers.
Agoraphobia:
Agoraphobia involves fear and avoidance of situations or places that might cause panic, embarrassment, or a feeling of being judged or trapped. People with agoraphobia may avoid leaving their homes or being in crowded places.
Separation Anxiety Disorder:
More commonly among children, separation anxiety disorder involves excessive fear or anxiety about separation from their loved ones, leading to distress or impairment in daily routine.
Selective Mutism:
This is a consistent failure to speak in specific social situations (i.e. -in school or with friends) even though they talk in other contexts. It typically begins in childhood.
Substance-induced anxiety disorder
Substance-Induced Anxiety disorder happens when using drugs (medicine) causes anxiety related symptoms.
This type of substance induced anxiety disorder occurs when someone is addicted to drugs or substances and taking it on a daily basis or withdrawing from substances.
Other unspecified anxiety disorders
This term is use for anxiety disorders that don’t meet the criteria for any other anxiety disorders, but symptoms suggestive of anxiety disorders that are significant enough to disturb daily routine life.
What are the Signs and symptoms of anxiety disorders?
1. Increase tension and worrying
Continue worrying about various aspects of life, such as health, family, work, or school, even when there is no proper reason for concern.
2. Irritability & Restlessness
Feelings of restlessness, and irritability, affect daily routine and the patient can’t concentrate and focus on tasks.
3. Examination and physical signs and Symptoms:
Anxiety attacks may also include physical symptoms, such as:
•Muscle pain and stretching
•tiredness
•Perspiration or sweating
•Palpitations
•Difficulty breathing
•Gastrointestinal issues like stomach ache and/or nausea
4. Panic Attacks
Sudden, intense episodes of fear or discomfort that may include symptoms like:
•Chest pain and/or tightness
•Racing and/or pounding heart
•Feeling dizzy and/or lightheaded
•Sweating and/or chills
•Trembling and/or shaking
•Fear of losing control and/or impending doom
5. Avoid situations
Patient Persistent avoidance of situations, places, or activities that might trigger anxiety. This avoidance can significantly impact daily life and relationships.
6. Sleep pattern Disturbance
Difficulty falling or staying asleep, experiencing restlessness, or having frequent nightmares and dreams related to anxious thoughts.
7. Cognitive Symptoms
Racing thoughts, difficulty concentrating, excessive fear of the worst happening, and feeling of being constantly alert.
8. Behavioral Changes
Behavioral changes, like drinking more alcohol or pulling back from social activities.
∆ What are the Causes and triggers of anxiety disorder?
Anxiety disorders are conditions that can come from a combination of factors, including biological, psychological, environmental, and genetic elements. Some most common causes and contributing factors to the development of anxiety disorders include.
1. Family History & genetic involvement:
Research reveals that there is a link between family history and genetic involvement, Individuals with a family history of anxiety disorders might be more likely to develop these conditions.
2. Brain chemical changes Neurotransmitters:
Imbalances in brain hormones, particularly involving neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and GABA, can contribute to the development of anxiety disorders.
3. Things that Trigger symptoms :
Worst past experiences or traumas of life such as child abuse, negligence, or significant life changes i.e. – divorce, loss of wife/husband,or big loss, can trigger or exacerbate anxiety disorders.
4. Personality type
Some personality type or temperament, such as being highly sensitive, being Mr perfect, or more prone to negative thinking, might increase the risk of development of anxiety disorder.
5. Medical Conditions:
Some medical conditions or major or chronic (long term) illnesses can be associated with increased anxiety, such as thyroid disorders, kidney diseases, heart problems, chronic pain, or respiratory issues.
6. Drug abuse and/or Withdrawal:
Alcohol, drugs, and even some illegal use of medications can worsen anxiety symptoms or trigger anxiety disorder.
7. Brain Anatomy and Function:
Some mental illness and Abnormalities or alterations in certain brain structures or functions, including the amygdala (involved in fear responses) or the prefrontal cortex (related to decision-making and emotional regulation), might trigger the anxiety disorders.
8. Learned Behavior:
Experiences during childhood or upbringing, such as observing anxious behavior in parents or caretakers, can trigger the development of anxiety disorder.
How are anxiety disorders diagnosed?
1. History
The diagnostic process begins with history taking, during which the Doctor collects information about the patient’s symptoms, medical history, family history, and life incidences.
2. Physical Examination and Tests:
Primary diagnosis made on history mostly, physical examination to rule out any medical conditions that could be caused or exacerbating anxiety symptoms.
3. Psychological Evaluation:
Psychiatrists ask for history and evaluate the patient, These assessments help determine the type of anxiety disorder and its severity.
How are anxiety disorders treated?
Treatment and management of anxiety disorders involves a combination of therapies, including lifestyle changes, medication, moral support, and psychotherapy.
1. Psychotherapy (Talk Therapy):
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT):
It includes changing negative thought patterns and behaviors that affect and increase anxiety.
– Exposure Therapy:
Involves giving courage and support to face feared objects or situations in a controlled and safe environment to reduce anxiety response.
– Mindfulness Therapy:
Techniques such as mindfulness, meditation, and relaxation exercises can help manage anxiety symptoms.
2. Medication:
– Antidepressants:
TCA ( tricyclic antidepressants), Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs), and Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs) are commonly prescribed to manage anxiety disorders.
– Benzodiazepines:
I.e:- midazolam, lorazepam, are Sometimes used for short-term relief of severe anxiety symptoms, but they are generally prescribed cautiously due to the risk of respiratory depression, and tolerance.
3. Change in Lifestyle:
– Regular Exercise:
Physical activity can reduce anxiety symptoms by releasing endorphins and help in relaxation.
– Healthy and easily digestible Diet:–
A healthy and easily digestible diet can improve anxiety attacks.
– Proper Sleep:
Proper 6_8 hrs of sleep habit is essential for managing anxiety.
4. Stress Management Techniques:
– Relaxation Techniques:
Deep breathing techniques and progressive muscle relaxation can assist in alleviating anxiety.
– Tension & Stress Reduction technique
Engaging in activities like yoga, tai chi, or meditation can effectively manage stress and anxiety.
5. Supportive surroundings in the home and workplace:
Engaging in support groups or connecting with others who have similar experiences can provide comfort, understanding, and valuable coping strategies.
6. Health care Support and Self care:
Regular consultations and follow up with psychiatrists and therapists are helpful for monitoring progress that makes adjustments to treatment plans.
7. Avoid Triggers and Create a Supportive Environment:
Identifying triggers and learning and educate how to avoid or manage them is an essential aspect of managing anxiety.
Creating a helpful and supportive environment at home and work, communicating needs, and setting boundaries will contribute to reducing stress and anxiety levels.
What are the risk factors for anxiety disorders
1. Family history
A family history of anxiety disorders can increase susceptibility.
2. Hormonal imbalances
Imbalances in hormones can also trigger symptoms of anxiety disorders.
3. Personality traits
People with certain personality traits, like being overly cautious, negative, shy, angry, and overthinker, are more prone to anxiety disorders.
4. Trauma
People who suffer abuse, trauma, violence, and disaster are at higher risk of developing an anxiety disorders.
5. Stress
Ongoing stress from situations like workload, financial crises, breakups, and relationship problems can increase the risk of anxiety.
6. Chronic medical illness
Having a chronic health condition may increase the chances to developing and anxiety disorder.
7. Personality disorders
People with Personality disorders such as OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder), are more susceptible of having anxiety disorders.
8. Childhood factors
Bad experiences during childhood, including neglect or parent conflicts, or children who endured abuse or trauma or witnessed traumatic events are at high risk of developing anxiety disorders.
9. Drug or alcohol abuse
Substances, alcohol, weed, heroine, drugs abuse or dependency can increase the risk of developing anxiety disorders.
10. Gender
Women tend to be more prone to developing anxiety disorders than men.
Prevention
1. Stress management
2. Exercise regularly
3. Healthy lifestyle
4. Therapy
5. Social connection
6. Balance work-life
7. Mindfulness Practices
8. Limit alcohol and substance use
9. Regular health checkup
10. Educate yourself
When to see a Doctor
See your doctor if
• you find yourself worrying excessively
• when anxiety interferes with your daily routine life
• you are experiencing physical symptoms like chest pain, palpitations, uneasiness, Increased heartbeat, sleep disturbances, and restlessness.
• you are noticing changes in your behavior
• when anxiety symptoms persist longer than usual
• If you find it challenging to cope with anxiety symptoms
• If you experience recurrent Panic attacks with chest pain, uneasiness, and palpitations.
• If friends, family, or colleagues express concern about your anxious behavior
• If you are feeling that your anxiety is overwhelming and beyond your ability to manage
Then for sure, you have to consult a doctor and don’t hesitate to reach out to a healthcare professional for guidance and support.
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