Anxiety disorders are considered a mental illness. It affects a large number of individuals. It is, in fact, the mental disorder that affects the most people.Anxiety disorders can take many forms. These include social phobia and generalized anxiety. These are not just simple anxiety, but rather anxiety disorders, as they have a significant and negative impact on daily life.
But then, what are the symptoms, causes, and factors that contribute to anxiety disorders? And above all, can this mental illness, which is disabling for a large number of individuals, be treated?
❓ What is an anxiety disorder?
🤔 Why are we anxious?
Anxiety is not a disorder in itself. It is a state, an emotion tinged with worry that takes hold of us and prevents us from taking action. Unlike stress, which is a fear reaction generated by the near future or the present, anxiety is caused by the fear of a future event and the fear that the worst will happen.
It manifests itself through the certainty that a catastrophic situation will occur. We then become unable to do anything other than think about the cause of our anxiety. It is difficult to act, to concentrate, and to think about anything else. We think about all the possible situations that could occur when we are faced with the object of our anxiety. Also, anxiety is isolating.
If anxiety isn’t considered an illness, it’s because it’s part of our human condition. Humans project themselves and worry. Being anxious in certain situations is completely normal. But in some cases, it becomes so disabling and frequent that it becomes an illness.
⚠️ When does anxiety become an illness?
Anxiety becomes an illness when it prevents you from living normally and poisons your daily existence. People with anxiety disorders will ruminate excessively, constantly. They will be more tired, have difficulty concentrating because they are obsessed with the object of their anxiety. The latter becomes invasive, day and night. It can cause sleep disturbances. Anxiety disorders are very difficult to live with and are invasive, which is why it is important to seek help.
Anxiety disorders can lead to cardiovascular disease risks. When you’re anxious, you release cortisol, a hormone that increases your heart rate. In this case, anxiety becomes dangerous for your health.
🌟 Don’t Let Anxiety Take Over
Get professional help at Everts Psychiatry & Family Medicine in Duncanville, TX, and protect your mental and physical health today. Call: (469)-868-6250.
🔄 The Difference Between Anxiety and Anxiety Disorder
When anxiety becomes chronic, repeated, without real danger, when it causes suffering and is no longer just transitory or occasional, we speak of anxiety disorders.
🚫 Not to be confused with other disorders
One of the major challenges in psychology and psychiatry is that many illnesses share the same symptoms. Similarly, there is often psychiatric comorbidity. It is therefore essential to seek medical advice to determine if you are suffering from a mental disorder.
💭 Depression or anxiety disorder?
Depression and anxiety disorders are the most common psychological illnesses. Patients often suffer from both at the same time. However, the two pathologies are distinct. Morbid anxiety is a diffuse and disproportionate fear about a situation that has not yet happened, about a future, while depression is defined by a lack of energy and drive, a devaluation of oneself and chronic sadness. When one is depressed, one feels anesthetized from one’s abilities and emotions, especially positive ones.
🧩 Anxiety disorder or ADHD?
When you’re anxious, you may experience a lack of focus due to rumination, which can be similar to attention deficit disorder (ADHD). However, anxiety is a worry disorder, while ADHD is based on a lack of focus and attention.
Struggling with anxiety? You’re not alone.
Speak with a mental health professional today and take the first step toward better emotional well-being.
Call: (469)-868-6250🧠 Symptoms and Causes of Anxiety
📋 What are the Main Symptoms?
There are many symptoms of anxiety. We can distinguish two types:
💭 Mental Symptoms
A person suffering from anxiety disorders will experience a number of psychological symptoms:
- ✅ Excessive worrying and fear;
- ✅ Restlessness or feeling on edge;
- ✅ Difficulty concentrating;
- ✅ Irritability;
- ✅ Racing thoughts;
- ✅ Overthinking worst-case scenarios;
- ✅ Feeling detached or unreal;
- ✅ Persistent nervousness.
- ✅ Chronic fatigue.
- ✅ Sleep disorders.
- ✅ Chronic sadness.
- ✅ Voluntary isolation to avoid suffering, particularly in cases of social anxiety.
- ✅ A decrease in self-esteem caused by ruminations and an inability to take action.
- ✅ Hyperactivity to escape one’s thoughts and escape the present to feel like one has some control over one’s anxiety.
🏃 Physical Symptoms
Anxiety is often somatized. This is why there are many physical symptoms caused by anxiety disorder:
- ✅ Muscle pain: Muscles are tense due to anxiety.
- ✅ Palpitations caused by racing heart.
- ✅ Tremors.
- ✅ Dizziness.
- ✅ Sweaty hands.
- ✅ Stomach aches and gastric disorders.
- ✅ Feeling of suffocation, that the chest is tight.
- ✅ Knot in the stomach, in the throat.
- ✅ Frequent urge to go to the toilet.
- ✅ Spasmophilia.
These symptoms are not exhaustive. There are others depending on the individual and the type of anxiety. However, if you recognize yourself among these symptoms, you can make an appointment for an online teleconsultation.
🧾 What are the Causes and What are the Risk Factors?
There are many causes that explain the onset of an anxiety disorder. However, in some cases, no real cause can be found. The factors are usually multiple. However, anxiety can be caused by:
🔹 Causes of Anxiety:
- ✅ Genetic predisposition;
- ✅ Imbalance of brain chemicals (neurotransmitters);
- ✅ Traumatic life events or abuse;
- ✅ Chronic medical conditions;
- ✅ Substance misuse or withdrawal;
- ✅ Ongoing stress from work, school, or relationships.
⚠️ Risk Factors for Anxiety
- ✅ Family history of anxiety disorders;
- ✅ Personality traits like shyness or perfectionism;
- ✅ History of trauma or major life stress;
- ✅ Chronic illnesses or pain conditions;
- ✅ Substance abuse;
- ✅ Being female (higher prevalence).
📚 What is the Range of Anxiety Disorders?
We speak of anxiety disorders in the plural since there are several types of illnesses caused by anxiety.
😟 Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
GAD is characterized by continuous anxiety, which is not associated with a specific event, but which concerns at least two different areas. The person suffering from generalized anxiety disorder will experience excessive worry to the point of ruminating on a daily basis. The apprehension is not justified and is not controllable and above all, it is constant. People with GAD have difficulty concentrating and sleeping, this leads to chronic fatigue.
🐍 Specific Phobias
Specific phobias are characterized by an intense and irrational fear caused by an object, animal or situation (agoraphobia, claustrophobia).
🗣️ Social Phobia
Social phobia is a morbid anxiety caused by interactions with other people and the gaze of others. The affected person will anticipate and experience anxiety by imagining the social interaction. It is a fear of social relationships, an apprehension of competition, or even the fear of acting in the gaze of others.
😰 Panic Attacks
A panic attack, or anxiety attack, is a sudden and intense feeling of fear that causes a crisis in which one is unable to breathe or rationalize. The psychological and physical reactions are uncontrollable due to the fear felt.
⏳ Panic Disorder
Panic disorder is a type of anxiety disorder characterized by repeated panic attacks and the fear that another panic attack will occur.
🎭 Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Post-traumatic stress disorder is a state of anxiety that occurs after a traumatic event during which the person or other individuals may have risked death, for example (attack, assault, murder, accident, etc.).
The patient regularly relives the traumatic event, has nightmares, and creates avoidance strategies that remind him of his trauma. He also exhibits disturbed behavior and impaired social functioning.
🔄 Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Obsessive-compulsive disorder is characterized by two symptoms: obsessions and compulsions. They can occur simultaneously or in isolation. Obsessions are obsessive thoughts (images, ideas), while impulses are urges to perform intrusive and recurrent actions. OCD is a repetitive behavior and mental act that a person with anxiety disorder may do to chase away the obsession and reduce anxiety.
🛡️ How to treat and prevent severe anxiety?
🩺 Diagnosis of Anxiety Disorder
A general practitioner can diagnose anxiety disorder by asking the patient questions. However, to have appropriate monitoring and treatment, it is advisable to consult a psychiatrist and a psychologist, in order to have medication treatment if necessary and adequate psychological monitoring.
When anxiety becomes bothersome and you feel like you can’t live normally, it’s important to seek help to maintain your mental health.
💊 What Treatments Are Possible?
There are several possible treatments for anxiety. Generally, a combination of the two is recommended:
- ✅ The first treatment is cognitive behavioral therapy, which helps identify patterns of negative thoughts and provides the tools to combat them.
- ✅ Behavioral therapy may be accompanied by antidepressant medication in some cases.
👩⚕️ Who to Consult?
In any case, it is essential to consult a mental health professional, a psychiatrist and a psychologist, in order to have a diagnosis and appropriate treatment. The ideal is to see several professionals in order to find the practitioner who is right for you. Everts Psychiatry & Family Medicine offers psychological support to help you manage an anxiety disorder.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Anxiety Disorders
What is an anxiety disorder and how is it different from normal anxiety?
An anxiety disorder is when fear or worry becomes constant, excessive, and disrupts daily life. Unlike normal anxiety, which is temporary and related to specific situations, anxiety disorders persist, affect mental health, and may require professional treatment.
What are the common symptoms of anxiety disorders?
Anxiety disorders can cause both mental and physical symptoms. Mental symptoms include constant worry, irritability, racing thoughts, and sleep problems. Physical symptoms include muscle tension, rapid heartbeat, dizziness, and stomach issues.
What causes anxiety disorders and who is at risk?
Anxiety can be caused by genetics, brain chemistry imbalances, trauma, chronic stress, or medical conditions. Risk factors include family history of anxiety, perfectionism, past trauma, chronic illness, and being female.
How are anxiety disorders diagnosed?
A general practitioner or mental health professional diagnoses anxiety disorders through interviews and questionnaires. In some cases, you may be referred to a psychiatrist or psychologist for further evaluation and treatment planning.
What are the best treatments for anxiety disorders?
Effective treatments include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which helps change negative thought patterns, and medication like antidepressants if needed. Many patients benefit from a combination of therapy and medication.
How can I prevent or manage severe anxiety naturally?
You can lower anxiety through regular exercise, deep breathing techniques, mindfulness meditation, good sleep hygiene, and limiting caffeine or alcohol. Early intervention and lifestyle changes help prevent anxiety from becoming severe.
