Anxiety Disorders - What Are the Symptoms of Anxiety?

Anxiety Disorders - What Are the Symptoms of Anxiety?

Anxiety is a normal human reaction to threats or danger. However, when anxiety becomes constant or excessive, it can be a sign of an anxiety disorder.

Anxiety disorders are caused by a combination of genetics, life experiences and personality traits. They can also be triggered by drug or alcohol abuse.

Symptoms

Symptoms of anxiety are often normal, but when they don't go away and are excessive or last for long periods they can cause problems. These are called anxiety disorders.

People with anxiety disorders may worry about many different things - about their health, money, relationships or work. These worries can become so overwhelming they can interfere with daily activities and reduce quality of life.

If you're anxious, talk to a doctor or mental health provider before it gets worse. This can make treatment easier.

A GP might be able to prescribe medication that can help manage your symptoms. You could also try relaxation techniques, meditation or yoga.

Sometimes people with anxiety disorders have repeated episodes of intense fear that quickly peak and are accompanied by physical symptoms such as a racing heart, shortness of breath or trembling. This is known as a panic attack.

Causes

Anxiety is a normal reaction to stress, but it can also be serious. It may affect your everyday life - how you perform at work (mahi), your relationships with whanau, and your sense of wellbeing.

When it's too much, anxiety can make you feel distressed and unable to enjoy your life. People who have severe or constant anxiety need help to manage their symptoms.

A doctor can help you identify the cause of your symptoms. They'll start with a medical history, ask questions and run tests to rule out physical conditions that can also cause anxiety-like symptoms.

Then, they'll refer you to a mental health specialist. These doctors can assess your situation and recommend treatments that work best for you.

Anxiety can be caused by a number of factors, including the way your brain works and environmental stress. It can also be linked to a past experience of abuse, trauma or prolonged illness.

Treatments

There are many different types of treatments for anxiety. These include talk therapies, medication and self-help techniques.

The most common psychological therapy for anxiety is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). It teaches you how to recognize and change the negative thoughts and beliefs that contribute to your symptoms of anxiety.

Often, therapy is more effective than medication over the long term. Psychological therapy can help you reframe your thinking to overcome anxiety, learn how to cope better with your emotions and find ways to avoid triggering your symptoms.

Medications that may be helpful include antidepressants, including medications in the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) and serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) classes. SSRIs such as escitalopram (Lexapro), duloxetine (Cymbalta), venlafaxine (Effexor XR) and paroxetine (Paxil) work by increasing the levels of the brain chemical serotonin. SNRIs such as fluoxetine (Prozac) and sertraline (Zoloft) work by decreasing the levels of norepinephrine, a hormone that increases your heart rate and stress response.

Self-help

Self-help strategies can help you to deal with anxiety and stress without needing to see a mental health professional. These methods include changing your habits and learning coping skills.

Meditation can be a great tool to calm your mind and focus on the present moment. You can also learn to relax through yoga or breathing exercises.

Another great option is to try aromatherapy, which uses essential oils like lavender or chamomile. These scents can help you to breathe more deeply and relax.

A good dietary plan can also help you to reduce stress and anxiety. Eat healthy foods, including lots of vegetables and whole grains. Avoid sugary foods and alcohol, which can aggravate your mood and trigger panic attacks.