HEALTH: ANXIETY - ANXIETY DISORDER (GAD) ANXIETY ATTACKS (PANIC) ANXIETY SYMPTOMS
What is Anxiety or Anxiety Disorder?
Anxiety or anxiety disorder refer to a condition whereby you experience fear and uncertainty, due to a myriad of reasons usually involved with transition periods in life. There are many different anxiety disorders, named for their different characteristics, but the general underlying symptoms is that sufferers tend to worry in excess about the little details in everyday life. For each anxiety disorder, there are different causes, triggers, symptoms and treatments available, hence the importance of identifying the correct anxiety disorder that you are suffering from.
Anxiety can cause physical and emotional symptoms. A specific situation or fear can cause some or all of these symptoms for a short time. When the situation passes, the symptoms usually go away.
More than 19 million adults in America suffer from anxiety disorder, so don’t worry, you are not alone. Anxiety disorder is a more common problem than you might think it is. The different types of anxiety disorders include panic disorder, post traumatic stress disorder, agoraphobia, social anxiety disorder and generalized anxiety disorder, to name a few. There are many different treatments available on the market, and it is not necessary to have to live with the fear and uncertainty that anxiety disorder brings.
People who suffer from anxiety disorder seldom seek help as they either feel embarrassed about their problem, or they are unaware of even having a problem. Safe to say, if you are reading this article then you probably have an idea that you need help, and that there is help available. There are many symptoms that people who suffer from anxiety disorder experience, ranging from the physical to the psychological.
It is important to understand as much as you can about your problem,
and the possible treatments before you speak to your doctor or health care provider. This will
help you to ask the right questions and understand the
treatment options that are being offered to you. Anxiety disorder is
a serious problem as it can affect your life. While it is possible
to recover, there is no such thing as a quick fix for this problem.
As the reasons for triggering your disorder are likely to be stress related, treatments should take the line of behavioral or cognitive therapy, and not medication. Medication will suppress the symptoms, but it is advisable to solve the root of the problem to prevent the recurrence of anxiety disorder.
If possible, you should explain your problem to your family and close ones so that they can help you cope with and overcome your problem. This will ensure that they understand what you are going through, and are able to provide you with the emotional support that you will need. While the process of recovering is a long and tedious one, it is possible to live without anxiety disorder disrupting your life.
Understanding anxiety disorder and choosing the right treatment or right solution is the key to overcoming anxiety to live a carefree life.
Health: Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
Generalized anxiety disorder or GAD is characterized by excessive, exaggerated anxiety and worry about everyday life events. People with symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder tend to always expect disaster and can't stop worrying about health, money, family, work or school. In people with GAD, the worry often is unrealistic or out of proportion for the situation. Daily life becomes a constant state of worry, fear and dread.
Eventually, the anxiety so dominates the person's thinking that it interferes with daily functioning, including work, school, social activities and relationships. About 4 million adult Americans suffer from generalized anxiety disorder or GAD during the course of a year. It most often begins in childhood or adolescence, but can begin in adulthood. It is more common in women than in men.
Health: Causes of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
The exact cause of GAD is not fully known, but a number of factors - including genetics, brain chemistry and environmental stresses - appear to contribute to its development. Certain drugs, both recreational and medicinal, can lead to symptoms of anxiety due to either side effects or withdrawal from the drug. Such drugs include:
- ADHD medications
- Alcohol
- Amphetamines
- Bronchodilators for asthma
- Caffeine
- Cocaine
- Cold remedies
- Decongestants
- Diet pills
- Nicotine
- Thyroid medications
- Tricyclic antidepressants
A poor diet -- for example, low levels of vitamin B-12 - can also contribute to stress or anxiety. Performance anxiety is related to specific situations, like taking a test or making a presentation in public. Postraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) develops after a traumatic event like war, physical or sexual assault, or a natural disaster. People with generalized anxiety disorder experience almost constant worry or anxiety about many things on more than half of all days for 6 months. Panic disorder or panic attacks involve sudden and unexplained fear, rapid breathing, and increased heartbeat.
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ELIMINATE ANXIETY DISORDER & PANIC ATTACKS PERMANENTLY
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Health: Risk Factors of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
Along with phobias, panic attacks and obsessive-compulsive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder is among the most common of anxiety disorders. Many people with generalized anxiety disorder believe their worries date back to childhood, but it's also possible to develop the condition as an adult.
Certain factors that may increase your risk of developing generalized anxiety disorder include:
- Childhood adversity. Children who endured hardships or adversity, including witnessing traumatic events, are at higher risk.
- Illness. Having a serious illness, such as cancer, can make you anxious. Worrying about the future, your treatment and your finances can become excessive and overwhelming.
- Stress. A buildup of stressful life situations may trigger excessive anxiety. For example, having a physical illness, along with the stress of missing work or losing pay, may combine to cause generalized anxiety disorder.
- Personality. People with some personality types are more prone to anxiety disorders. People with unmet psychological needs, such as having a close relationship that isn't fulfilling, may feel less secure and may be more at risk of generalized anxiety disorder. In addition, some personality disorders, such as borderline personality disorder, also may be associated with generalized anxiety disorder.
- Genetics. Some evidence suggests that generalized anxiety disorder has a genetic component that causes it to run in families.
Health: Symptoms of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
GAD affects the way a person thinks, but the anxiety can lead to physical symptoms, as well. Symptoms of GAD include:
- Excessive, ongoing worry and tension
- An unrealistic view of problems
- Fearing that something bad is going to happen; feeling doomed
- Excessive worry
- Restlessness or feeling jumpy or edgy
- Irritability
- Muscle tension, aches, or soreness (myalgias)
- Headaches, light headedness, or dizziness
- Excessive sweating, or cold, clammy hands
- Difficulty concentrating
- Nausea or diarrhea
- The need to go to the bathroom frequently
- Extreme tiredness and fatigue
- Trouble falling or staying asleep
- Trembling, twitching, or shaking
- Being easily startled or distracted
- Feeling a lump in your throat, or fullness in the chest
- Impatience
- Breathlessness or rapid heartbeat
- Inability to concentrate; feeling like your mind goes blank.
Generalized anxiety disorder often begins at an early age, and the symptoms may develop more slowly than in other anxiety disorders. Many people with generalized anxiety disorder can't recall when they last felt relaxed or at ease.
You may find it impossible to banish your fears and worries, even when you're trying to relax or unwind. This anxiety can go on for months and months. You may feel you've lost control over managing it. And it may interfere with your ability to carry out daily routines. You may feel anxious and worried about things both large and small, such as:
- School
- Work
- Sports performance
- Car repairs
- Household chores
- Earthquakes
- War
- Finances
- Airplane flights
- Their own and others' health
Generalized anxiety disorder or GAD, cannot be prevented. However, there are some things that you can do to control or lessen symptoms, including:
- Stop or reduce your consumption of products that contain caffeine, such as coffee, tea, cola and chocolate.
- Ask your doctor or pharmacist before taking any over-the-counter medicines or herbal remedies. Many contain chemicals that can increase anxiety symptoms.
- Exercise daily and eat a healthy, balanced diet.
- Seek counseling and support after a traumatic or disturbing experience.
Health: Diagnosis of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
If symptoms are present, the doctor will begin an evaluation by asking questions about your medical history and performing a physical examination. Although there are no laboratory tests to specifically diagnose anxiety disorder, the doctor may use various tests to look for physical illness as the cause of the symptoms.
The doctor bases his or her diagnosis of GAD on reports of the intensity and
duration of
If no physical illness is found, you may be referred to a psychiatrist or psychologist, mental health professionals who are specially trained to diagnose and treat mental illnesses. Treatment for generalized anxiety disorder or GAD most often includes a combination of medication and cognitive-behavioral therapy.
For generalized anxiety disorder to be diagnosed, someone must meet these criteria:
- Excessive anxiety and worry every day for at least six months.
- Difficulty managing anxiety.
- Anxiety that is associated with several specific symptoms, such as feeling keyed up, difficulty concentrating, muscle tension and sleep disturbances.
- Anxiety that causes significant distress or impairment in your daily life.
Panic attack is a sudden feeling of extreme anxiety or intense fear without a clear cause or when there is no danger. Panic attacks are common. They sometimes occur in otherwise normal, healthy people and will usually last for several minutes.
Symptoms include feelings of dying or losing control of yourself, rapid breathing (hyperventilation), and a racing heart. You may feel dizzy, sweaty, or shaky. Other symptoms include trouble breathing, chest pain or tightness, and an irregular heartbeat. These symptoms come on suddenly and without warning. Sometimes symptoms of a panic attack are so intense that the person fears he or she is having a heart attack. Many of the symptoms of a panic attack can occur with other health issues. See Panic Attacks for in-depth details.
Health: Complications of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
Generalized anxiety disorder does more than make you worry. It can also lead to or worsen a variety of potentially serious health conditions, including:
- Depression
- Substance abuse
- Insomnia
- Digestive or bowel problems
- Headache
- Teeth grinding (bruxism)
Health: Conventional Treatment of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
There are many different anxiety disorders, but their one common underlying characteristic is the overwhelming and incessant worry and fear experienced. For those who suffer from anxiety disorders, there is a variety of treatments available to help you overcome this illness and live a normal life free from panic attacks. These range from medication to therapy and alternative medicines.
Often, the different treatments can be combined together, depending on each individual’s needs as well as the particular anxiety disorder experienced. The two main treatments for generalized anxiety disorder are medications and psychotherapy, either alone or in combination.
Medication is a common treatment of anxiety disorders used to alleviate the symptoms of anxiety disorders and panic attacks, and are consisting of anti-anxiety drugs, beta blockers and antidepressants. While this may seem ideal, it is always better to cure the problem at its roots – identify the cause of your panic attacks and overcoming it through behavioral cognitive therapy. Medication is a quick fix but it does not cure the problem. Also, it may cause a myriad of severe side effects, such as nausea and dizzy spells.
- Anti Anxiety Drugs. Benzodiazepines are sedatives that have the advantage of easing
anxiety
within 30 to 90 minutes. They are sedatives also used to treat symptoms
of panic attacks by slowing down the nervous system. On the downside,
they can be habit-forming if
you take them for more than a few weeks. For this reason, your doctor
may prescribe them for only a short time to help you get through a
particularly rough period. These medications may cause unsteadiness,
drowsiness, reduced muscle
coordination and problems with balance.
Higher doses and long-term use can cause memory problems, sleepiness, and sexual problems. Azapirones are a newer variety of anti anxiety drugs which take a longer time to take effect, ranging from 2 weeks to a month. They are usually prescribed for GAD and obsessive compulsive disorders (OCD), and are less addictive with minimal withdrawal symptoms.
- Beta Blockers. Beta blockers are used to treat heart conditions, but are also
prescribed for anxiety disorders. By blocking the effects of
norepinephrines, it is able to alleviate symptoms of panic attacks such
as tremors and heart palpitations. They are hence useful for situations
where the user is aware of the possibility of panic attacks occurring,
such as before public speaking.
Anxiety disorders are treatable via medication, and usually
treatments are a mix of different medications and combined with
therapy.
You should always seek your doctor’s advice in determining the type of anxiety disorder, and the appropriate medication that is suitable. Do not give up on medication if you do not see immediate effects, as it is possible that your body takes more time to react to the drugs. Alternatively, you may feel that another variety of treatment may be more suitable as well.
- Anti Depressants. Anti depressants have been used for treating anxiety disorders, and take a longer time to see the effects, ranging from 4 to 6 weeks. They are often prescribed in place of anti anxiety drugs as there is less risk of addiction, but they have severe side effects including suicidal thoughts and agitation. They may also increase depression.
Psychotherapy is also known as talk therapy or counseling, psychotherapy involves receiving help from a mental health provider through a combination of talking and listening.
Evidence shows that cognitive behavior therapy in particular can help improve symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder. Cognitive behavior therapy helps you identify unhealthy, negative beliefs and behaviors and replace them with healthy, positive ones. It's based on the idea that your own thoughts — not other people or situations — determine how you behave. Even if an unwanted situation doesn't change, you can change the way you think and behave in a positive way. Generally a short-term treatment, cognitive behavior therapy emphasizes learning to develop a sense of mastery and control over your thoughts and feelings.
Treatment for generalized anxiety disorder or any mental health illness is
tailored to each person. No single treatment regimen works for
everyone. Most treatment occurs on an outpatient basis, but some people
may need care in a hospital setting.
Health: Natural Treatment of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
Natural herbs are less costly than medication, and consist of herbs, vitamins and botanicals. They can be taken individually, or with other supplements, but it is best to first consult your doctor before deciding on natural herbs as a treatment for anxiety disorder. They also have the advantage of having no side effects, as compared to medications which can result in side effects such as nausea. Below are some common herbs used in anxiety disorder treatment.
- Passion Flower
This is a natural plant that is used to treat anxiety, amongst other ailments. Its has unique calming properties, and can also reduce body tremors from fear. It promotes better sleep, and can act as a painkiller. It also contains anti depressants, and is used for high blood pressure and epilepsy.
- Lavender
This is a more popular alternative than the passion flower, and is also known for its calming properties. It is also one of the more effective treatments for panic attacks, and is a tonic for the nervous system.
- Lemon Balm
This is used to calm the digestive and nervous system, and also reduces blood pressure. It is uncertain if used alone, lemon balm is effective for treating anxiety attacks. It is usually taken with Valerian, Chamomile or Passion flower.
- Kava
It is an effective tranquilizer, and whilst it is not an addictive substance, research suggests that it may be linked to liver problems.
- Valerian
This is another natural plant used for treating anxiety. It also promotes better sleep, allowing for the body to rest and recuperate.
- Chamomile
Chamomile flower leaves are used to make tea, and is a natural alternative for treating anxiety. It also reduces fever, encourages sleep and enhances the body’s metabolism.
- Dandelion
The roots and leaves are used to treat the body’s internal systems, and through it, provide relief for some of the symptoms of anxiety. It is commonly used in salads and tea, and can also be used as a substitute for coffee.
There are many natural treatments available, and herbs have been used for treating illnesses for centuries. However, do keep in mind that it is not a quick fix, and can only alleviate the symptoms of anxiety attacks. It is advisable to seek out behavioral or cognitive therapy so as to eliminate the root of the problem causing anxiety attacks.
Health: Understanding Anxiety Attacks (Panic Attacks)
There are many forms of anxiety attacks, but common characteristics that indicate that you may be suffering from one includes unrelenting and overwhelming worry and fear that affects your ability to conduct normal activities. This can lead to low self esteem and depression, and adversely affect your quality of life.
There is no fixed list of causes that lead to anxiety attacks, but
there are a few factors that can contribute to its development. These
include your environment, genetics and your personality. People who
suffer from anxiety disorders are prone to panic attacks, where they experience sudden
and intense bouts of fear. Hence, it is important to be able to
identify if you are suffering from anxiety attacks.
Anxiety attacks can be a debilitating condition, but it is easily
treatable with medication and therapy. Hence, it is vital that you are
able to discover it in its early stages to arrest the symptoms and start on the road to full recovery. If
you find yourself experiencing intense fear or worry for long periods
of greater than 6 months, you may be suffering from anxiety attacks.
Consult your doctor or health care provider for anxiety attacks
you should approach a trusted doctor in the field, or even your family doctor who could recommend an expert or a therapist to assist you in determining if you are suffering from anxiety attacks. Your doctor should also be capable of examining you for alternative ailments such as heart conditions which displays similar symptoms to anxiety attacks.
If you are currently suffering from existing health conditions, it is
important to determine if there has been an aggravation of your
condition. This could lead
to the symptoms of heart palpitations and light headedness.
Alternatively, it could be that your medication dosages need to be
adjusted. Do take note that as a common cause of anxiety attacks is
stress; and it is easy to mistake one symptom for another illness.
Stress
can aggravate your current health conditions, such as ulcers or
hypertension.
Practical tips of coping with anxiety attacks
Anxiety attacks are treatable, and can offer you relief from the symptoms and eventually, the disorder as well. There is a range of treatments available, including medication, therapy and alternative treatment. These can be administered individually, or in a combination.
In addition to the above treatments, here are some tips and techniques of coping with anxiety attacks. A healthy and balanced lifestyle can work wonders, and goes a long way towards helping you to combat anxiety attacks.
- Exercise and Rest
Exercising is always recommended for keeping your body fit and healthy. A healthy body will also have a positive effect on your psychological health, and will help you to maintain a healthy lifestyle. You should also ensure that you get sufficient rest for your body, and that you have a relaxed environment where you can get uninterrupted rest for your body to recuperate at night. When your body is sleeping, it also provides a break for your conscious mind, and will leave you feeling more refreshed and energized to face the next day. This will help in reducing your stress and anxiety levels.
- Balanced Diet
A healthy diet can help you to cope with anxiety and stress better, as it ensures that your body receives the vitamins and nutrients that it needs to function at optimal. Your diet also plays a big part, and you should try to keep a well balanced diet. Cut down on processed foods and high sugar snacks. Your diet should include fruits and vegetables, and you should try to cut down on alcohol, drugs, smoking, and caffeine. Alcohol and drugs are depressants, and can often aggravate your anxiety attacks and result in depression. Also, it is not wise to turn to substances to cope with the anxiety or fears that you are experiencing. Caffeine should also be avoided as it is a stimulant which will magnify your feelings of nervousness, and can trigger your panic attacks.
- Relaxation Techniques
Learning to relax your body will help you to reduce anxiety, and to combat the symptoms of anxiety attacks, such as racing heartbeat, sweating, tremors and muscle tension. if practiced on a daily basis, you reduce your stress levels. It will help you to cope with stressful situations as well, relaxing your mind and body before your panic attacks has a chance to kick in.
- Seek Emotional Support
Do not shy away from asking for help. Talking about your anxiety will also help you to come to terms with it, and understand the causes of your panic attacks better. Spend time with your family and friends who can give you the emotional support that you need. It is important to recognize that you have a problem, and not be afraid to seek help from your family and love ones. Share with them the cause of your anxiety attacks, as this will help them to assist and support you in recovering from anxiety disorder. If possible, you should see a professional for counseling to eliminate the root of your anxiety problem. Support groups are also a good alternative to share and learn from others who suffer from the same mental health issues.
- Self Monitoring
You know yourself best, and this makes self monitoring a highly effective process. Make a list of the causes of your panic attacks, and try to identify what triggers them. Once you have identified the cause of your anxiety attacks, look out for the triggers that cause an attack to occur. This will help you to look for alternatives or solutions to avoid or solve possible situations which will trigger anxiety attacks.
- Seek and Choose the Right Treatment
There are a variety of treatments available for anxiety attacks, and it is important to pick the right one as different treatments are more effective for different types. Medication can curb the symptoms, but it is not a quick cure, and has many side effects which are often severe. Cognitive and behavioral therapy is more suitable as it helps you come to terms with the root of your anxiety attacks, and will help you to overcome your anxiety disorder.
Health: Coping with Anxiety Disorder in Children
Causes and symptoms of anxiety disorder in children
Approximately 5 to 20% of all children suffer from at least one form
of anxiety disorder. This refers to an overwhelming sense of fear or
worry that is out of proportion to the individual’s situation, and
often causes an adverse effect on that person’s life. Children are just
as susceptible, if not more so, than adults in being diagnosed with
anxiety disorder. Out of the many types of anxiety disorder, children
are most likely to suffer from the following five: separation anxiety
disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, social phobia, panic disorder and specific phobia.
It is normal for children to experience fears as they face life and
grow up, but some children may face greater difficulties coping with
their fears. If you child constantly feels worried or frightened beyond
what the situation would indicate, or displays physical symptoms of
headaches and muscle tension, you should look closer into the issue and
not dismiss it out of hand. This could be the critical first step in
identifying that your child has a problem, and then to go on seeking
adequate help and support for your child to cope.
Research has shown that those who face high stress levels are more prone to return to a similar state of high stress at the smallest provocation. Child anxiety disorder is one of the more common problems that children face, and might be accompanied by depression. Even through children are prone to anxiety disorders, recent research suggests that there is a lack of treatment, leading to chronic anxiety disorders when they grow up. There is a wide range of treatments available for treating anxiety disorder, ranging from the pharmacologic to the psychotherapeutic.
Anxiety disorders result in the child experience fear and worry, disrupting their normal lives. These
disorders can persist even after the child has grown up, hence it is
important for parents to identify the symptoms to ensure that the child
receives necessary help. Empirically, those who have received therapy
or treatment are more likely to completely recover, or suffer from
lesser anxiety attacks.
As parents, it is hence critical that you are able to identify symptoms of anxiety disorders. Anxiety is a common emotion experienced by children, and it can be difficult to distinguish between a normal level of anxiety and one that is abnormal. If not adequately identified and treated, the child’s thinking and reasoning ability, as well as learning inclinations can be severely impacted.
Symptoms can be physical and psychological, ranging from headaches, nausea and chest pains to excessive fear and uncertainty. Exhibitions of such emotions are likely to change as the child grows. In time, unhealthy levels of anxiety can develop into more serious health conditions. Should you notice any of the above symptoms, it is better to err on the side of caution and see a doctor so that the child can receive the necessary treatment.
There are many causes of anxiety, and this is what makes it such a difficult problem to diagnose. Although it can be difficult to determine if your child is suffering from anxiety attacks, it is advisable to support them to the best of your abilities and avoid getting irritated or short tempered in their presence. While uncommon, your child may also be suffering from anxiety problems due to genetic reasons.
Common triggers of anxiety include being afraid of the dark, or a fear of being left alone. These are actually reflections of events that have occurred, such as being left in the dark at night, or waiting last in school for a parent to pick them up.
You should do your best to encourage your child to take part in activities independently, and avoid overreacting to their physical symptoms as it emphasizes to them that they are “abnormal”. Where you are aware that your child may face new or challenging situations, describe the situation to them in detail and if possible conduct visualization and role playing exercises to help familiarize your child and allay fears.
If you are in a single child family, let your child pick out a special soft toy companion so that they can build confidence without having to worry about being alone. Establish clear household rules and routines, and guide your child firmly with just punishments and rewards. This will help them establish a sense of security, and they will know what to expect.
While it may be tempting to hide the nature of anxiety disorders from your child, it pays to inform your child about their conditions. Do not keep them out of the loop regarding big decisions or events happening in the family, such as a new job, or a house moving. Always make an effort to be honest and objective about any obstacles or questions that your child has for you, as avoiding the topic or skirting the issue will only cause your child’s fear to increase.
Sometimes, it can be difficult to help your child learn to deal with the root of the problem causing them anxiety as they are reluctant or afraid of speaking about it. Help your child overcome this by proposing alternative means of communications, such as through a picture, or writing a short story. You should also be alert to any hints of fear that your child shows, as it may be an indication of what the true cause of the problem is. A fear of the dark could in actuality be a fear of being abandoned or left alone due to some event occurring previously.
Helping your child deal with his anxiety disorder can be a challenging process, but do not feel alone as many families are facing the same problem. If you suspect your child could be suffering from anxiety disorder, take steps to find out more about it and seek professional help for your child.
It is important to be able to identify if your child is suffering from anxiety disorder, and how to go about dealing with it in order to help your child. If left undiagnosed and untreated, it is highly likely to develop into other anxiety disorders in adulthood, and these children face the same risks as those suffering from depression. If your child has been diagnosed with anxiety disorder, as a parent you have a huge role to play in supporting your child emotionally, as well as in providing necessary guidance.
Anxiety disorders are treatable, and there are many professionals who deal with children, and treating anxiety. These range from behavioral and cognitive therapy to medication, and other alternative treatments.
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Sources: NIH News In Health/National Institutes of Health/National Library of Medicine/Dept of Health and Human Services_______________________________________________________________________________________________________
