Anxiety disorders describe a group of psychiatric conditions characterized by intense feelings of fear and anxiety. Including:
- Generalized anxiety disorder – a constant unfocused worry and a sense of helplessness
- Panic disorder – recurring panic attacks with continual worrying and thinking about them.
- Specific phobias – such as fear of needles, spiders, flights, etc.
- Other disorders such as social anxiety disorder, separation anxiety disorder, and more.
These disorders differ mainly in the cause of the symptoms. Up to 25% of the population are estimated to suffer from anxiety disorders. There is no single cause for anxiety disorders, and both genetic and environmental factors are involved.
45999 Alikes with Anxiety (Including GAD)
This group contains additional names:
- Anxiety
Patients may experience different and unique perceptions, and signs and symptoms differ between the various disorders. Symptoms may include:
- Fatigue
- Restlessness
- Irritability or distress
- Sleep disturbance
- Shortness of breath or rapid heartbeat when exposed to different triggers
- Panic attacks: short duration "attacks" of intense fear, discomfort, tremor, and nausea that usually last less than 10 minutes. Panic attacks are the hallmark of panic disorder but may occur regardless.
Diagnosis is made via a psychiatric assessment, conducted by a psychiatrist – a medical doctor specializing in psychiatry. This assessment includes questioning, physical exams, cognitive exams, and other tests that might exclude other diseases or conditions.
Treatment for anxiety disorders differ based on the specific disorder and severity of the symptoms and includes psychotherapy and medication. Different methods of psychotherapy include cognitive-behavioral therapy and gradual exposure to the anxiety cause. Medical treatment includes antidepressant medications and sedative medications.
☝️ This is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult with your physician before making any medical decision.
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Anxiety can affect physical health in various ways. It can cause physical symptoms such as headaches, body aches, loss of appetite, inability to focus, trembling, and insomnia. In some cases, it can lead to hyperventilation to the point of passing out. Anxiety can also manifest as stomach pain and vomiting, chest pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, dizziness, and weak legs.
Based on the shared experiences, it seems that while anxiety may not be completely cured, it can be managed and its impact on life can be significantly reduced. One person mentioned that they were able to overcome severe anxiety and now consider it their smallest challenge. Another person emphasized the importance of learning to live with anxiety and not letting it rule your life. They suggested that over time, you can learn to cope with it and it becomes a part of who you are.
Panic attacks cause your body to have a physical reaction due to your fight or flight mechanism being activated, they happen suddenly due to a trigger. Anxiety attacks cause a mental/emotional shut down which can come out as avoidance, an overwhelmed feeling, racing thoughts, irritability etc., and are built up over time. Panic attacks can be shorter than anxiety attacks but much more intense, sometimes mistaken for heart attacks. Anxiety attacks happen in response to a perceived threat and the anxiety builds up over time until it’s pretty bad.
☝ The content of this answer is based solely on historical posts and comments generated by users on Alike. This tool is not a substitute for professional medical advice, and you should always consult with your physicians before making any changes to your medical care or treatment plan.
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