Anxiety Disorder

Are you looking for the points that can help you determine the line between normal anxiety and anxiety disorder? Read this article to know about the symptoms for the same.
It is normal for a person to have a certain amount of anxiety within. Anxiety is nothing but our body's reaction to the threat that the mind perceives. Anxiety is a part of our body's defense mechanism which alarms our body and mind to react against the threat that we see coming. However, if a person is suffering from anxiety disorder, then the mind starts giving false alarms to the body which makes us react in an unreasonable manner. Anxiety disorder is a condition that demands immediate medical attention. If avoided, the condition can worsen and severely hamper your daily routine and lifestyle.

Classification of Anxiety Disorders

Anxiety disorders are of various kinds. Statistics show that more than 18% of Americans are likely to have one of the various anxiety disorders that exist. Some of the most common ones are listed as under.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Abbreviated as GAD, this disorder is one of the most common anxiety disorders that are more likely found in adults. It is a condition wherein a person tends to get overly worried and extremely concerned regarding casual day-to-day matters. Consumption of many drugs or substance abuse can also lead to this condition.

Panic Disorder
As the name suggests, a person suffering from panic disorder suffers with intense terror and fear which is often seen in the way they behave! These people end up getting panic attacks by thinking over things that have not even happened yet. Many tend to suffer from additional health problems like difficulty in breathing, nausea, trembling, etc.

Social Anxiety Disorder
Abbreviated as SAD, this disorder makes a person develop a constant and intense fear of social embarrassment. These people tend to stay away from social interaction as they fear of humiliation or negative scrutiny.

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Abbreviated as OCD, this type of anxiety disorder makes a person have an obsession and a constant urge of compulsion for or towards a certain thing, activity or rituals. People suffering from obsessive compulsive disorder tend to believe in things, which in reality, do not exist!

Post-traumatic Stress Disorder
As the name suggests, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is the kind of anxiety disorder that results when a person suffers from a traumatic experience. It tends to develop in people who have been through severe extreme traumatic situations like a rape, combat, child abuse, etc. If left unattended, this can become chronic and ruin the life of a person.

Separation Anxiety Disorder
As the name suggests, a person suffering from separation anxiety disorder feels extremely insecure and lonely with the thought of being separated from a person or place. They also tend to become extremely panicky and anxious.

Childhood Anxiety Disorders
Anxiety in children is normal, however, you need to identify this from the way they behave! When a child suffers from anxiety disorder, it hampers their ability to think, decide, learn, concentrate, interact and socialize! Statistics show that almost 13% of children and teenagers aged 9-17 years, suffer from some kind of anxiety disorder. If left untreated, these children may turn out to be poor performers in schools as well as cut themselves off from social activities and development. These children also tend to suffer from depression and eating disorders.

Symptoms of Anxiety Disorder

Now that you know the different kinds of anxiety disorders, it is also equally important for you to be able to identify the symptoms for the same. Below is the list of the common anxiety symptoms. Have a look!
  • Excessive sweating
  • Nausea
  • Dizziness
  • Fatigue
  • Trembling
  • Panicking
  • Shortness of breath
  • Being skeptical
  • Palpitations
  • Breathing problems
  • Difficulty in sleeping
  • Lack of concentration
  • Muscle aches
  • Feeling irritated
  • Diarrhea
  • Restlessness
  • Being constantly worried
Treatment for Anxiety Disorders

Although anxiety disorders can be very difficult to deal with, both for the sufferer and the people who stay around, the good news is, that with the help of medical treatment and drugs, anxiety disorder can be controlled! Mentioned below are some useful anxiety medications and treatments that can help in controlling anxiety! Have a look...

Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy plays a very important role on how to cope with anxiety! Also known as the 'talk therapy', it helps the person identify the skills and potential within, which can help him/her to overcome the negative thoughts of anxiety with more positive and optimistic thoughts. The psychologists play their part as effective counselors and helps the patient focus on the areas which evolves stress and help him/her to change the way he/she perceives, behaves and responds.

Medications to Overcome Anxiety
Before listing some of the common anxiety medications that the doctors suggests to people suffering from anxiety disorders, I would like to strictly advice you to check with your doctor before you decide to consume these medications. Your doctor would be the best to suggest you the right dose and prescribe you the medication that is most efficient! The following are some common medications that are helpful for treating anxiety disorders.
  • Antidepressants: Antidepressants help treat anxiety by influencing the neurotransmitters of the brain and give you a relaxed feeling. Some antidepressants that are used for treating anxiety disorders are, imipramine, escitalopram, fluoxetine, paroxetine, and sertraline.
  • Benzodiazepines: Although recommended under very limited conditions, the benzodiazepines are used on short term basis as they can end up becoming an addiction.
  • Buspirone: This medication too is very effective for anxiety disorder cure. Although this sedative may have some side effects like nausea, headache and feeling lightheaded.
Relaxation Techniques
Many relaxation techniques like meditation, breathing exercises, yoga exercises, and aroma therapy can also prove to be efficient in anxiety cures and help in overcoming anxiety disorders.

You can also go through some natural herbs for anxiety cures that can help you in coping with anxiety and make your lifestyle much more relaxed and peaceful. To conclude, I would just like to remind you what Peter said about anxiety in the Bible, "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." ~ 1 Peter 5:7. Take care.
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Last Updated: 9/21/2011
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