Anxiety and Anxiety Disorders- Symptoms, Causes and Prevention of Anxiety- PsychoDoctor

 Anxiety Disorders

Anxiety

Overview

Anxiety is a natural response to stress that can be helpful in some circumstances. It can alert us of impending dangers and assist us in planning and paying attention. Anxiety disorders are marked by intense fear or anxiety, as opposed to natural feelings of nervousness or anxiety. Anxiety disorders are the most common mental illnesses, afflicting about one-third of all adults at some stage in their lives. Anxiety disorders, on the other hand, are treatable, and there are a range of successful therapies available. The majority of patients who receive treatment are able to live regular, productive lives.

People with anxiety disorders may try to avoid conditions that cause or exacerbate their symptoms. Workplace success, schoolwork, and personal relationships can all be impacted.

Generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, specific phobias, agoraphobia, social anxiety disorder, and separation anxiety disorder are all examples of anxiety disorders.

Difference Between Anxiety and Fear

Anxiety is characterized by muscle tension and avoidance activity in expectation of a potential worry. Fear is an emotional response to an impending threat that is more often associated with a fight or flight response – staying to fight or fleeing to avoid risk.

Different Types of Anxiety Disorders

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is characterized by recurrent and intense worry that disrupts everyday activities. Physical symptoms such as restlessness, feeling on edge or easily fatigued, difficulty concentrating, muscle pain, or sleeping problems can accompany this ongoing worry and tension. Worries about daily things like work duties, family health, or minor issues like chores, car maintenance, or appointments are common.

Panic Disorder

Panic Disorder is a mental illness that affects people. Recurrent panic attacks, an overwhelming mixture of physical and psychological pain, are the most common symptom of panic disorder. Several of these symptoms occur in unison during an attack: 

• Palpitations, a racing pulse, or a fast heart rate are all symptoms of a heart attack. Sweating is a common occurrence.
• Sweating is a common occurrence.
• Shaking or trembling
• Feelings of being suffocated or short of oxygen
• Pain in the chest
• Feeling light-headed, dizzy, or faint?
• Choking feeling
• Tingling or numbness
• Hot flashes or chills
• Nausea or stomach aches
• Distancing yourself
• Fear of letting go of power
• Fear of death

Since the signs of a panic attack are so serious, many people mistakenly assume they are having a heart attack or another life-threatening condition and seek medical help at a hospital emergency room. Panic attacks can be anticipated, such as a reaction to a feared object, or they can be spontaneous, appearing out of nowhere. The average age of onset for panic disorder is 22-23 years old. Panic attacks may occur as a result of other psychiatric illnesses such as depression or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Phobias and Specific Phobias

A specific phobia is an abnormally intense and recurrent fear of a specific entity, circumstance, or behaviour that is not necessarily dangerous. Patients are conscious that their anxiety is excessive, but they are unable to overcome it. These fears are so distressing that some people would go to great lengths to stop them. Fears of flying and spiders are two examples

What is Agoraphobia

Agoraphobia is the fear of being in conditions where escaping is impossible or embarrassing, or where support is inaccessible if panic symptoms occur. The anxiety is out of proportion to the situation and persists for six months or longer, causing functional issues. A individual with agoraphobia is afraid in at least two of the following situations:

• Take advantage of public transit
• Spending time in open areas
• Being in confined spaces
• Standing in line or being surrounded by people
• Being alone outside the house

The person actively avoids the situation, needs assistance, or suffers from severe fear or anxiety. If left untreated, agoraphobia can progress to the point that an individual is unable to leave the house. A individual may only be diagnosed with agoraphobia if their fear is extremely distressing or interferes with their daily activities.

What is Social Phobia or Anxiety Disorder in Social Situations

In social interactions, an individual with social anxiety disorder experiences severe anxiety and distress about being embarrassed, humiliated, rejected, or looked down on. People with this condition will either try to escape or tolerate the situation with great anxiety. Extreme fear of public speaking, meeting new people, or eating/drinking in public are all common examples. Fear or anxiety that lasts at least six months creates issues with everyday functioning.

What is Separation Anxiety Disorder (SAD)

Separation anxiety disorder is characterized by an intense fear or anxiety of being separated from those to whom one is connected. The feeling is out of proportion to the person's age, lasts for a long time (at least four weeks in children and six months in adults), and interferes with everyday functioning. A individual with separation anxiety disorder may be constantly concerned about losing the person nearest to him or her, hesitant or unable to leave the house or sleep apart from that person, or have nightmares about separation. Physical signs of distress typically occur in infancy, but they may continue into adulthood.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Anxiety Disorders

The first step is to visit a doctor to ensure that the symptoms are not caused by a medical condition. If you've been diagnosed with an anxiety disorder, a mental health professional will help you find the right treatment options. Many people with anxiety disorders, unfortunately, do not seek treatment. They are unaware that they have a disease with successful therapies.

Key points in Diagnosis of Anxiety

In order to be diagnosed with anxiety disorder, a person's fear or anxiety must:

• Be out of proportion to the situation or unacceptable for the age group
• Find it difficult to work normally

Treatment of Anxiety Disorders: Despite the fact that each anxiety disorder is different, the majority of people respond well to two forms of treatment: psychotherapy (also known as "talk therapy") and drugs. These therapies may be used separately or in tandem. CBT (cognitive behavior therapy) is a form of talk therapy that can help a person learn new ways of thinking, responding, and behaving in order to feel less nervous. Medications do not cure anxiety disorders, but they do offer substantial symptom relief. Anti-anxiety drugs (generally administered for a brief period of time) and antidepressants are the most widely used medications. Beta-blockers, which are widely used to treat heart disorders, are also often used to treat physical symptoms of anxiety.

Managing, Coping and Self-Help in Anxiety Disorders

People may do a variety of things to help deal with anxiety disorder symptoms and make therapy more successful. Meditation and stress control approaches may be beneficial. Support groups (both in person and online) may help people share their experiences and coping strategies. Learning more about a disorder's specifics and assisting family and friends in greater understanding may also be beneficial. Caffeine, which can exacerbate symptoms, should be avoided, and any drugs should be discussed with your doctor.

Others Related Psychology Resources

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21. PSY 515 handouts- CROSS CULTURAL PSYCHOLOGY
22. Psy-610 Neurological Basis of Behavior
23. STA-630 RESEARCH METHODS handouts
24. PSY-631 HANDOUTS(Psychological Testing and Measurement)
25. Psy-631 Solved Assignment 1
26. Psy-631 Solved Assignment 2
27. PSY 632 handouts PDF- THEORY AND PRACTICE OF COUNSELING

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