Anxiety Disorder Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment

Anxiety disorder is a widespread mental disorder characterized by heightened feelings of fear (in reaction to current events) and anxiety (regarding future events). In such a condition the person may develop a large amount of anxiety in an incredibly short span of time. This causes a build-up of stress in the system, which may even result in anxiety attacks. An anxiety attack is characterized by physical discomfort and pain. Fear and anxiety are healthy and ordinary emotions which when heightened may lead to a frustrating disorder. Extreme anxiety distracts a person making him/her feel uncomfortable. In such a condition, one finds it difficult to cope with daily life routines and responsibilities. This leads to degradation in the quality of life. Panic and anxiety disorder is rampant in today’s world.

People all around the world from different walks of life are susceptible to anxiety disorder. Everybody wants to be in a healthy state of mind. This mental illness is devastating and if one fails to seek effective medical treatment, may reduce productivity of the sufferer resulting in a dissatisfactory life. This is a common disorder that has been reported to affect over eighteen per cent of global population.

Let us take a brief overview of the various kinds of anxiety disorders one may suffer from.

•  Anxiety panic disorder, characterized by frightening panic attacks, unexpected feelings of acute fear, rapid increase in heart rate, breathing difficulties, tightness in chest, stomach cramps and disorientation. Sufferers often think that they are dying.

• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), characterized by irrational thoughts and/or uncontrollable and repetitive actions. Sufferers find it difficult to be satisfied with their work and have a ritualistic tendency of performing a particular task multiple times in order to achieve perfection.

• Post-traumatic stress disorder, characterized by nightmares, sleeping difficulties, flashbacks, anger, depression and irritability. Such symptoms occur after a series of traumatic events like natural disasters, child abuse, sexual abuse, stressful occupation etc. Sufferers have been reported to get startled very easily.

• Extreme phobia, characterized by irrational fear upon confrontation with certain items or situations. In this case, the sufferer may develop imaginary obstacles and harmful consequences and avoid certain tasks, items or situations. These may pose no danger to others. 
• Generalized anxiety disorder, characterized by irrational pessimism, nausea, stomach cramps, shaking and trembling, headache, muscular pain and tightness in chest. Sufferers are likely to consider worst case scenario in situations which do not even show evidences of any possible failure.

Symptoms

Anxiety disorders may result in lack of sleep which leads to weariness and stress and a whole new line of health problems. These disorders have various noticeable symptoms, such as twitching and excessive perspiration. The person tends to sweat heavily after moderate physical exertion. Increased worries on a daily basis will disrupt normal functioning. Palpitation, shakiness, muscle tension, soreness and aches are other physical symptoms of anxiety disorder. Symptoms may also include insomnia, numbness, nausea, tiredness, poor concentration and overreaction to otherwise minor events. Panic attacks have several other symptoms like swallowing difficulties, fear of falling seriously ill or even dying, and a feeling that the person is losing grip on reality. Emotional symptoms include nervousness, confusion, jumpiness, avoidance, restlessness, insecurity, excessive self-consciousness and feelings of apprehension, dread and uneasiness.

Diagnosis

Though not lethal, anxiety attacks may cause a lot of pain. It is not necessary to experience all the symptoms before considering medical treatment. If you notice any of the abovementioned symptoms, you should rush to your doctor straight away! The first step to cope with any health condition is diagnosis. A proper diagnosis is essential to identifying the sources of your health problem. It is very important for you to analyze the sources of your stress and anxiety. If you are suffering from anxiety disorder, then an early diagnosis and treatment shall cure you. With appropriate techniques, anybody can overcome this disorder. Anxiety build up may be prevented with special exercises which will also reduce anxiety attacks.

Treatment

People suffering from the various kinds of anxiety disorder may seek any of the following treatments, based on their disorder type.

• Cognitive behavior therapy – It is a psychotherapeutic approach to address your panic attacks. This therapy is focused on understanding the feelings and thought processes that influence human behavior in order to cope with dysfunctions. A psychiatrist guides the patient to change the cognitive patterns which trigger anxiety attacks so as to deal with the disorder effectively.

• Medication –Drugs may not be a cure, but they are a tool that may be used for coping with panic and anxiety. While you are on other therapies, you may consult your doctor to prescribe anti-depressants for you. These pills may help you to cope with the various frustrating symptoms of anxiety disorders.

• Self-help –One may learn at home from the various self-help tutorials available on the internet. Treatment may differ from person to person depending on the type of disorder, but practicing relaxation techniques is a common recommendation. One may practice breathing exercises, yoga and other relaxation techniques to prevent anxiety. These methods shall help you to treat and cope with your disorders effectively.

It is of utmost importance to keep the body and mind calm. People suffering from acute disorders may require strict medication to relieve them from the various physical and emotional symptoms. On the long run, however, one needs to consult a counselor or therapist to identify and eradicate the original sources of discomfort. In order to get back your active and normal life, you must learn to deal with your panic and anxiety disorder.

Can you cure yourself permanently? That is the most frequently asked question about this disorder and the answer is of course, yes. It is not impossible to cure your disorder permanently. There is a cycle of fear and discomfort that triggers your anxiety. You need to learn to break that cycle and resume complete control of your thoughts and emotions. It is essential to study oneself and learn about his/her behavioral and thought patterns. Once you know what triggers your discomfort, you may cope with and eradicate the obstacles over time.