Anxiety is a common mental health disorder characterized by constant feelings of apprehension, tension, or unease. It involves persistent, excessive worry about everyday situations and events. Key terms related to anxiety include:
- Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD): Excessive anxiety or worry occurring more days than not for at least 6 months. Symptoms include restlessness, fatigue, irritability, muscle tension, and sleep problems.
- Panic attacks: Sudden periods of intense fear accompanied by physical symptoms like a racing heart, shortness of breath, trembling, dizziness, or abdominal distress. Attacks reach peak intensity within minutes.
- Agoraphobia: Intense fear and avoidance of places or situations where escape might be difficult or help unavailable. Common triggers are crowded places, public transportation, or being outside the home alone.
- Social anxiety disorder: Significant anxiety triggered by social situations due to fear of embarrassment, humiliation, or scrutiny by others. Feared situations often are avoided or endured with distress.
Anxiety disorders differ from normal feelings of nervousness or anxiousness. To meet diagnostic criteria, symptoms must be excessive, persistent, and interfere significantly with normal function.
Treatment often involves a combination of lifestyle changes, therapy, and medication:
- Lifestyle changes like limiting caffeine, improving sleep habits, exercising, and practicing stress management techniques can help lower anxiety levels.
- Therapy helps identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to anxiety. Common types like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) teach coping strategies.
- Medications like certain antidepressants and anti-anxiety drugs may be prescribed to help regulate brain chemicals involved in fear and worry responses.
Learning to manage anxiety is important for both short-term functioning and long-term health. If excessive anxiety persists and disrupts daily activities, consulting a mental health professional is wise. With proper treatment, many people with anxiety disorders can find relief.
If you have any other questions, feel free to consult with the experts at Renew Hormone Clinic.