What is anxiety?
Responding to daily stress with fear, anxiety, and worry is normal. In anxiety disorders, however, this response is constant and debilitating.
To be diagnosed with an anxiety disorder, your reaction to stress must be out of proportion to the situation and impact your ability to function.
Anxiety disorders are the most common type of mental disorders. They can range from general anxiety to phobias and panic disorders.
Nearly 30% of adults will experience an anxiety disorder in their lifetime.
What are the signs of an anxiety disorder?
The most common symptoms of anxiety disorders are fear and panic. However, there are different types of anxiety disorders, and their symptoms and causes can vary.
General symptoms of anxiety often include:
- Nervousness
- Sleep problems
- Heart palpitations
- Difficulty concentrating
- Inability to sit still or relax
- Growing tired easily
- Dry mouth
- Shortness of breath
- Muscle tension
Your hands or feet may also be cold, sweaty, tingling, or numb.
How are anxiety disorders different from each other?
Common forms of anxiety include generalized anxiety, panic disorder, and social anxiety.
Often, people who suffer from generalized anxiety disorder worry for months and experience several different symptoms. If you have panic disorders, you usually experience sudden moments of intense fear. In the case of social anxiety disorder, your symptoms are in response to social situations.
Who is at risk of developing anxiety?
The exact cause of anxiety disorders is unknown, but a combination of environmental and genetic factors can play a role. Other risks include:
- History of exposure to stressful experiences
- Being inhibited or shy
- Financial challenges
- Family history of mental health disorders
- Being widowed or divorced
While everyone can develop anxiety disorders, your risk increases if you’re a woman.
How are anxiety disorders treated?
Anxiety disorders are treatable conditions.
Following a complete physical examination, including an overview of your personal and family medical history, your doctor might recommend the following treatments:
- Psychotherapy: talk or cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) focused on your specific anxiety
- Support groups: in-person self-help to share problems and achievements with others
- Stress management: aerobic exercise, meditation, and reducing caffeine and other stimulants
- Medication: antidepressants, anti-anxiety, or beta-blockers to relieve symptoms
Your doctor also might recommend lifestyle changes to reduce your symptoms, such as eating a healthy diet and getting quality sleep.
The caring physicians at Doctors of Bellevue-Redmond are ready to help you take control of your anxiety. Call today or schedule an appointment online to learn more.
