With an anxiety disorder being the most common mental illness in the United States, you or someone you love may feel the effects.
With an anxiety disorder being the most common mental illness in the United States, you or someone you love may feel the effects. For those who suffer from anxiety disorder, constant stress and worry invade their thoughts. This sometimes leads to depression and withdrawal. While less than 37 percent receive treatment, there is hope with anxiety disorder treatment options.
Anxiety is a natural response to stress that alerts us to potential dangers. For example, feeling anxious before a test or starting a new job is normal. Yet, those with anxiety disorder experience symptoms on a permanent basis, often to the point of interfering with normal day-to-day activities.
While anxiety affects the mind, it also affects the body in many ways. According to Healthline, here are a few specific areas of both mind and body:
There are no set of rules on who gets an anxiety disorder. In fact, according to the Mayo Clinic:
The causes of anxiety disorders aren’t fully understood. Life experiences such as traumatic events appear to trigger anxiety disorders in people who are already prone to anxiety. Inherited traits also can be a factor.
Yet, statistics show that an anxiety disorder is the most common mental illness. It affects over 18 percent of the population — or around 40 million adults in the United States.
In some cases, an anxiety disorder is a precursor to another medical condition. There are a few medical conditions linked to anxiety, including:
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The umbrella of anxiety disorders covers more than one term. There are a variety of anxiety disorders, including the following:
This anxiety disorder summed up by the American Psychiatric Association is as follows:
Generalized anxiety disorder involves persistent and excessive worry that interferes with daily activities. This ongoing worry and tension may be accompanied by physical symptoms, such as restlessness, feeling on edge or easily fatigued, difficulty concentrating, muscle tension or problems sleeping. Often the worries focus on everyday things such as job responsibilities, family health or minor matters such as chores, car repairs, or appointments.
Recurrent panic attacks make up part of the core of this anxiety disorder. Psychological and physical stress follow. Other symptoms include sweating, dizziness, choking, fear of dying, detachment, rapid heartbeat, nausea, and more.
A feeling of excessive fear or anxiety over a person of attachment. This includes fears of losing the person, nightmares, etc. These fears are beyond what is typical or appropriate for a person’s age. Separation anxiety disorder includes symptoms of distress and worry.
These include fear of something not typically harmful, more than normal. For example, a fear of flying or of spiders to the point of distress and avoidance.
This disorder affects a person being in public. The affected person fears rejection, humiliation, and embarrassment to the point of avoiding situations. Avoiding dining out, public speaking, and crowded situations are a few examples of social anxiety disorder situations with stressors.
People with this disorder avoid situations where escape is difficult, help is not available, or escape is embarrassing. In extreme cases, those with agoraphobia cannot leave their homes.
The good news is that anxiety disorder treatment options are available. Those with anxiety disorder find help in the following ways.
Often known as talk therapy, psychotherapy teaches behavioral and coping skills. One such form of psychotherapy is cognitive behavioral therapy. This is typically a short-term solution but has been quite successful in the past.
For generalized anxiety disorder, medications help many. Prescriptions for anti-anxiety medication and anti-depressants prove successful in managing anxiety for some.
Taking care of yourself is also important when it comes to anxiety. This includes a proper diet, plenty of rest, and exercise. Stress management like yoga or meditation helps some.
As noted by PSYCOM:
Some people find that medication alone can be helpful in the treatment of Generalized Anxiety Disorder, while others are more likely to benefit from psychotherapy. Some find that the combination of psychotherapy and medication is the best course of action.
If you find it difficult to overcome your anxiety, our admissions team is always here to help answer any questions you may have. If you or a loved one needs help, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at 877-942-2240.
