Anxiety

Anxiety disorders are the most common form of mental health issues with an estimated 31.1% of U.S. adults experience any anxiety disorder at some time in their lives, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. Irrational or excessive fear and physiological symptoms of nervousness can describe anxiety overall.

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Sometimes, anxiety can develop into one of several disorders including generalized anxiety, panic disorder, social anxiety, or a specific phobia.

General anxiety symptoms may include:

Nervousness, irritability, or feeling on edge
Feeling a sense of impending danger, panic or doom
Having an increased heart rate
Hyperventilation, sweating, and/or trembling
Feeling weak or tired
Difficulty concentrating
Disturbance in sleep
Experiencing gastrointestinal (GI) problems

Panic Disorder:

Panic Disorder is identified as recurring and unanticipated panic attacks. Panic attacks are especially bothersome due to the physical discomfort and the anxious thoughts that often lead a person to attributing the symptoms to an underlying medical issue. Panic attacks include the following symptoms:

Heart palpitations, accelerated heartrate
Sweating
Trembling or shaking
Feeling short of breath
Feelings of impending doom
Feelings of being out of control

Phobia disorders:

A phobia is an intense fear toward an object or situation. The fear is also excessive in relation to the danger the object or situation poses. A person will worry excessively about the possibility of encountering the object/situation; deliberately avoid the object/situation, and experience intense anxiety when encountering the feared object/situation.

Social anxiety:

People who have social anxiety experience fear of or anxiety toward either general or specific social settings. Anxiety may be experienced at work, school, or other social settings and often includes negative self-evaluations and concern with performing and being evaluated by others.

According to the National Association of Mental Illness, anxiety disorders are highly treatable, yet only 36.9% of those suffering receive treatment.

Treatment for Anxiety

Psychotherapy is the most effective treatment for anxiety. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), Mindfulness, and exposure response prevention are some of the more common therapies that have been found to be effective with specific anxiety disorders.

Medications, like benzodiazepines, can help to alleviate severe symptoms, but are meant for short-term use and have the risk of dependence. Antidepressants may be helpful in long-term treatment. A primary health care provider or psychiatrist can help to determine types of medication that may be helpful.

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