Describing the symptoms of and treatments for anxiety-based disorders
It is normal for us all to feel some anxiety. That’s part of the normal human experience. However, if these feelings of tension and nervousness persist to the point of interfering with your work, studies or relationships then you may be experiencing an anxiety disorder.
Anxiety disorders are the most common mental health difficulties seen by doctors and psychotherapists. It is estimated that almost 4% of the world’s population is currently suffering from an anxiety disorder.
Whether you wish to understand anxiety for yourself or to aid a friend or family member, in this article we hope to convey a full understanding of what anxiety is and help put you on the right path to discover solutions.
We will cover:
- How to define anxiety and define anxiety disorders
- The difference between anxiety and a panic attack, and how they are related
- The specific disorders that are categorized as types of anxiety
- The symptoms of anxiety and panic attacks
- The first steps that might be recommended to those wanting to find relief from anxiety
Defining anxiety and anxiety disorders
Anxiety can be defined as a state of tension, nervousness and apprehension. It may be related to external events, or there can be no obvious cause at all. It can manifest in many forms and can affect people in different ways.
It has been pointed out (such as in this paper from Oxford University Press) that anxiety, as related to fear, may a normal evolutionary reaction that can help keep us safe.
If tension, nervousness and apprehension persist for prolonged periods, or if your feelings and responses interfere in some way with your normal life, it may be considered an “anxiety disorder”, which has more specific definitions.
What are the different types of anxiety disorders?
Anxiety can manifest in different forms and affect people in different ways. The National Institute of Mental Health lists a number of distinct (but related) forms of anxiety disorder:
- Generalised anxiety disorder
- Panic disorder
- Social anxiety disorder
- Phobias
- Separation Anxiety Disorder
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder
We will go into more detail about the meanings of each, describing their particular traits and symptoms, in the next section.
Does anxiety cause panic attacks? What is the connection?
Panic and anxiety are closely related. The NHS describes panic as “the most severe form of anxiety”. Not everyone who suffers from anxiety will suffer from panic or panic attacks. For those that do, it can be very distressing, with an attack developing rapidly and without warning.
If you are interested in understanding panic attacks, you may find it useful to read our blog post by Sarah Keeping, a member of the British Psychological Society.
What are the symptoms of anxiety and anxiety disorders?
In general, common anxiety and panic attack symptoms consist of: feeling tense; nervousness; apprehensions; and an inability to relax.
Other symptoms include:
- Intense fear of being judged negatively by others
- Worrying for days or weeks before a social gathering
- Avoiding public places or places there are people
- Difficulty in forming or sustaining relationships
- Blushing, trembling or sweating around other people
- Feeling nauseous or sick when others are around
- What are the causes of anxiety disorder?
When it comes to anxiety disorders, depending on the specific anxiety disorder the symptoms can vary:
Generalised anxiety disorder
Generalised anxiety is a persistent state of tension, nervousness and an inability to relax. The main symptoms include:
- Restlessness, feeling tense and on edge
- Irritability and apprehension
- Muscle tension
- Difficulty controlling worrying thoughts
- Problems with sleep
- Difficulties concentrating
According to NIH (National Institute of Mental Health), you might be diagnosed with this condition if you experience such symptoms on “most days” for at least 6 months.
If you think or know you have a generalised anxiety disorder, you can discuss it with your GP or therapist. Click here to find E-Therapy practitioners who specialise in anxiety.
Panic disorder
Panic disorder is an intense form of anxiety that regularly manifests in panic attacks. Panic attacks can occur spontaneously or as a result of external situations.
People having a panic attack experience physical symptoms like feeling breathless, racing and pounding heart, sweating, trembling, shaking and/or a choking sensation.
The symptoms of panic disorder include:
- Intense fear to the point of feeling out of control
- Constantly worrying when the next attack will occur
- An intense desire to escape from situations or to seek safety
- Fear or avoidance of places that provoke a panic attack
You may wish to read this
You can discuss your panic disorders with your GP or therapist. Click here to find E-Therapy practitioners that specialise in panic.
Social anxiety disorder
Social anxiety disorder is characterised by feeling unusually tense, nervous and anxious in social situations such as meeting new people or when in the presence of others who are not familiar.
Social anxiety can also occur in situations that require people to perform such as public speaking or business meetings. Those with social anxiety have an intense fear of embarrassment, humiliation, rejection and offending others.
Other symptoms include:
- Intense fear of being judged negatively by others
- Worrying for days or weeks before a social gathering
- Avoiding public places or places there are people
- Difficulty in forming or sustaining relationships
- Blushing, trembling or sweating around other people
- Feeling nauseous or sick when others are around
- What are the causes of anxiety disorder?
You can discuss your panic disorders with your GP or therapist. Click here to find E-Therapy practitioners that specialise in social anxiety.
Why do we develop anxiety disorders? What are the root causes?
There are many causes for anxiety disorders. Anxiety disorders could occur in those with a family history of mental health difficulties. Those with a personality prone to worrying could be at risk of developing a full-blown anxiety disorder at some point in their life. Being subjected to constant stress and worry regularly could contribute to the development of anxiety disorders. The repeated use of illicit drugs and stimulants like caffeine can also increase the risk of developing anxiety. Certain medical conditions are known to be associated with the symptoms of anxiety and this should be ruled out by your doctor before proceeding with a treatment plan.
What can I do to avoid anxiety disorders?
There are certain things that we can all do reduce our risk of developing an anxiety disorder:
- Finding time to relax and meditate
- Reduce stress levels by managing workload and breaking down tasks
- Avoid constant and unsustainable stress-provoking environments and situations
- Optimise nutrition by eating healthy and drinking adequate amounts of water
- Avoid unhealthy foods and drinks
- Minimise intake of caffeine, nicotine and energy drinks
- Adequate sleep and exercise
- Spending time doing the things you enjoy and keeping the right company
- Avoid news channels
How are anxiety disorders treated? Where can I go to get treatment?
There are different treatments for anxiety disorders depending on the nature and severity of the condition.
Mild to moderate anxiety:
These symptoms respond well to psychotherapeutic and behavioural therapies and this is usually the first-line treatment.
All of these treatments can be administered by an appropriately trained therapist.
Severe forms of anxiety:
Where the above symptoms may require medication, which we talk about in more detail below.
Are there medications that help with anxiety?
More severe forms of anxiety may require medications such as anti-depressants or benzodiazepines.
Your doctor or therapist will perform tests and investigations to rule out a medical reason for your anxiety and will devise a treatment plan based on the nature and severity of your symptoms.
Often, the first medication a doctor will prescribe will be one that slows the reabsorption of the hormone serotonin. Serotonin helps stabilise mood. By blocking serotonin from being reabsorbed by the cell that created it, more serotonin will remain at work for longer in the brain. For this reason, these drugs are called Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors, or SSRIs.
Though often effective, if the SSRI is not having the desired effect other drugs may be prescribed by the patient’s GP.
Read More About Anxiety:
Articles On Our Blog |
Connection Between Sleep and Anxiety |
About Panic Attacks |
Other Disorders That Cause Anxiety |
Symptoms of High-Functioning Anxiety
This article was researched and written by multiple E-Therapy contributors. Are you looking for help with issues relating to anxiety? Find an
online therapist easily here, or
contact us.