Anxiety is a normal emotion that everyone experiences from time to time. It can be characterized by feelings of worry, nervousness, or unease about something with an uncertain outcome. Mild anxiety can be a helpful motivator to prepare and plan for events, but for some people it becomes an excessive, irrational dread of everyday situations.
Anxiety disorders involve more than temporary worry or fear. For a person with an anxiety disorder, the anxiety does not go away and can get worse over time. The symptoms can interfere with daily activities, school, job performance and relationships.
There are several types of anxiety disorders:
| Disorder | Description |
|---|---|
| Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) | Excessive anxiety or worry occurring more days than not for at least 6 months. People with GAD may feel anxious about many things, including health, money, family, work or school with an inability to control the anxiety. Physical symptoms include restlessness, irritability, muscle tension and sleep disturbances. |
| Social Anxiety Disorder | Intense fear over social situations or performance situations such as public speaking. People with social anxiety disorder fear embarrassment or humiliation in front of others and will try to avoid triggering situations. Blushing, trembling and nausea are common. |
| Panic Disorder | Recurring, unexpected panic attacks marked by a sudden feeling of intense apprehension, fear or terror. Panic attacks typically last 10-15 minutes with symptoms including a rapid, pounding heart rate, shortness of breath, dizziness, nausea and chest pain. Many people with panic disorder develop agoraphobia. |
| Agoraphobia | Fear and avoidance of places or situations where escape might be difficult or help unavailable. Triggers for agoraphobia include public transportation, open spaces, enclosed public places like restaurants, and places where crowds gather. |
| Specific Phobias | Excessive fear about a specific object or situation such as flying, heights, animals, needles, or seeing blood. The fear is out of proportion to the actual danger posed and causes avoidance behavior. Physical symptoms include rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, trembling and dizziness. |
Treatment for anxiety disorders includes psychotherapy such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), exposure therapy, and medications like SSRIs, SNRIs, beta blockers and benzodiazepines. Relaxation techniques and regular exercise can also help manage anxiety symptoms.
| Treatment | Description |
|---|---|
| Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) | A type of psychotherapy that helps people identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to anxiety. |
| Exposure Therapy | A type of CBT that involves gradually exposing a person to the feared object or situation in a safe and controlled environment. |
| Medications | Antidepressants like SSRIs and SNRIs, anti-anxiety medications like benzodiazepines, and beta blockers can help manage anxiety symptoms. |
| Relaxation Techniques | Deep breathing, meditation, and progressive muscle relaxation can help reduce anxiety and promote relaxation. |
| Regular Exercise | Physical activity can help reduce stress and improve mood, which can help manage anxiety symptoms. |
If anxiety is interfering with your work, relationships or quality of life, visit Rebalance Hormone Clinic for a confidential evaluation. Our caring medical staff offers comprehensive hormone testing and treatment plans tailored to your unique needs. Getting anxiety under control starts with understanding your body's hormone balance. Contact us today to take the first step.
Anxiety is a common and treatable mental health condition that can have a significant impact on a person's daily life. If you are experiencing symptoms of anxiety, it is important to seek help from a qualified healthcare provider. With the right treatment plan, including therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes, it is possible to manage anxiety and improve your overall quality of life.