Anxiety
What are anxiety disorders?
Anxiety is the normal response to stress in your body. It’s a sense of fear or uncertainty about what’s going to happen. Going to a job interview or a speech on the first day of school will cause many people to feel scared and anxious. Disorders of anxiety are the most common form of emotional disorder and at any age can affect anyone.
But if your anxiety feelings are extreme, last longer than six months, and interfere with your life, you may have a disorder of anxiety.
What are the types of anxiety disorders?
Anxiety is a key component of various disorders. These include,
• Panic disorder: Having repeated attacks of fear at unexpected times. In fear of the next panic attack, a person with panic disorder will live.
• Phobia: over-fear of a particular object, circumstance or event.
• Social anxiety disorder: Deep anxiety in social situations of being viewed by others.
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder: Recurring irrational thoughts that contribute to common, repetitive behaviors.
• Separation anxiety disorder: Anxiety of being away from home or those who are missing.
• Illness anxiety disorder: Anxiety about your health.
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): Anxiety following a traumatic event.
What are the symptoms of anxiety?
- Rapid breathing
- Restlessness
- Difficulty falling asleep
- Trouble concentrating
- Increased heart rate
The signs of anxiety may be completely different from those of someone else. That’s why understanding all the ways anxiety can show itself is critical.
What is an anxiety attack?
Common symptoms of an anxiety attack include:
- Shortness of breath
- Dry mouth
- Sweating
- Chills or hot flashes
- Apprehension and worry
- Restlessness
- distress
- Feeling faint or dizzy
- Numbness or tingling
- Fear
What are treatments for anxiety?
Anxiety treatment falls into two categories: medication and psychotherapy. Meeting a therapist or psychologist can help you learn how to use tools and strategies to cope with anxiety when it happens.
Medications typically used to treat anxiety include antidepressants and sedatives. They work to control brain chemistry, avoid panic attacks, and fend off the disorder’s most severe symptoms.