ANXIETY DISORDER
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ANXIETY DISODER: CAUSES,SYMPTOMS,DIAGNOSIS,TREATMENT.
WHAT IS ANXIETY DISORDER?
An anxiety disorder is a type of mental health condition. If you have an anxiety disorder, you may respond to certain things and situations with fear and dread. You may also experience physical signs of anxiety, such as a pounding heart and sweating.
It’s normal to have some anxiety. You may feel anxious or nervous if you have to tackle a problem at work, go to an interview, take a test or make an important decision. And anxiety can even be beneficial. For example, anxiety helps us notice dangerous situations and focuses our attention, so we stay safe.
But an anxiety disorder goes beyond the regular nervousness and slight fear you may feel from time to time
A group of mental illnesses that cause constant fear and worry. Characterized by sudden feeling of worry, fear and restlessness.
Facts
- Treatable by a medical professional
- Diagnosed by medical professional
- Doesn't require lab test or imaging
- Can last several years or be lifelong
- Family history may increase likelihood
- Urgent medical attention recommended in severe cases
Know More
There are different types of anxiety disorders including-
Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD): Excessive worry and tension even if there is no cause for anxiety.
Social anxiety disorder/social phobia: An overwhelming worry or self-consciousness about one’s own behavior during social gatherings or in public places.
Phobias: Unrealistic and intense fears of a specific subject, activity, or situation such as flying or heights, that presents little or no danger.
Panic disorder: Sudden attacks of intense fear
Post-traumatic disorder: Intense fear that occurs as a result of a traumatic or life-threatening event.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD): Continuous unwanted thoughts or actions that seem impossible to stop.
Separation anxiety disorder: Excessive anxiety regarding separation from home or from people to whom the individual has a strong attachment.
Selective mutism- A person who is normally capable of speech cannot speak in specific situations or to specific people.
Symptoms
Every person experience anxiety at some point of time in life, for example, during an examination or an interview. This lasts for a limited period. It is classified as an anxiety disorder when the symptoms are reoccurring and last for longer time. Symptoms such as
Restlessness
A sudden feeling of panic and fear
Uneasiness, nausea, or cramps
Sleep-related problems – excessive Sleep or sleeplessness
Cold or sweaty hands or feet
Numbness in the hands or feet
Shortness of breath
Increased heart rate
Chest pain
Dry mouth
Hot flashes or chills
Sudden trembling
Dizziness
Avoidance of situations that may cause fear
Obsessions and compulsions
Causes
The exact cause is not known. It could be the result of a combination of factors including:
Changes in brain chemicals and its functioning
Environmental stress
Family history
Traumatic life events such as an accident, divorce, death of a loved one, etc
Other medical conditions including heart problems, diabetes, thyroid problems, etc
Drug or alcohol abuse
Diagnosis
Diagnosis includes physical examination and a review of medical history. Laboratory and imaging tests may be done to rule out any other medical condition causing the symptoms. Psychological questionnaires can evaluate mental health.
NA
Treatments
Medications aim to reduce the symptoms of anxiety. Relaxation techniques and behavioral therapy is also helpful in most cases.
MEDICATION
Benzodiazepines
Have a calming effect due to their sedative properties.
Antidepressants
Relieve the symptoms by affecting neurotransmitters.
THERAPY
Psychotherapy
Relaxation techniques and counseling by trained professionals help to understand the condition and improve emotional response to cope with the condition.
Complications
Mental disorders such as depression
Drug or alcohol abuse
Difficulty sleeping or insomnia
Problems in digestion or bowel movements
Severe headache
Chronic pain
Social isolation, including problems at work or school and at home
Difficulty in maintaining relationships
Poor quality of life
Suicide, in severe cases
Prevention
Talk to your family and friends, and share the responsibilities
Try and make each day relaxing and fun
Keep yourself in good health
Exercise regularly
Practice relaxation techniques
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Get enough sleep
Eat a healthy and nutritious diet
Questions To Ask Your Doctor
Will my anxiety worsen over time?
Is it a lifelong disorder?
Are there any side effects of the medicines?
Nutrition
Foods to eat:
Foods rich in vitamin B- egg, chicken, leafy greens, poultry, seafood
Tryptophan-rich foods- turkey, chicken, bananas, milk, oats, cheese, soy, nuts, peanut butter, and sesame seeds
Foods to avoid:
Caffeine containing Foods like coffee, tea, cola
Alcohol
Candy
source: www.msn.com
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