Anxiety Disorder: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment
Anxiety disorders are a range of pathological conditions that involve unreasonably strong, uncontrollable feelings of worry and fear. It is normal to feel anxious from time to time. It is the human brain’s way of responding to stress and warning us of potential danger.
From an evolutionary perspective, anxiety is important for the survival of humanity as a species. Every person experiences anxiety from time to time. For example, an adult worries when faced with a problem at work, a schoolchild - before an exam.
We also often worry before making an important decision. Unlike episodic anxiety, anxiety disorder is a condition in which a person experiences constant, overwhelming anxiety and fear. Excessive anxiety can make a person avoid work, school, family gatherings, and other social events.
Anxiety-depressive disorder is a pathological condition in which the patient has approximately equal symptoms and signs of both anxiety and depression. Without treatment, this condition can lead to suicide attempts.
Causes of Anxiety Disorder
It is still not known exactly what causes this pathological condition. Researchers believe that a combination of several factors plays a role in the development of the disease. Some of the causes are:
Genetic causes;
Imbalance of neurotransmitters - substances that are responsible for the functioning of the central nervous system;
Environmental stress ;
Negative life experiences - such as the death of a relative, assault, child abuse;
Alcohol abuse:
Drug use and withdrawal;
Use of psychoactive substances.
Risk factors are also identified:
History of mental disorders such as depression;
Severe chronic disease;
Shyness in childhood;
Low self-esteem.
Types of Anxiety Disorders
Generalized anxiety disorder: The patient feels excessive, unrealistic worry for little or no reason. An anxiety disorder in children caused by separation from family, loved ones, or home.
Panic disorder: The patient feels a sudden, intense fear that triggers a panic attack. During a panic attack, sweating, chest pain, and rapid heartbeat may occur, as well as a feeling of shortness of breath.
Social phobia: It is an overwhelming anxiety and shyness about everyday social situations. Patients worry about what other people think of them, and are worried that they will be embarrassed or ridiculed.
Specific phobias: The patient develops a strong fear in certain conditions, for example, a fear of heights.
Agoraphobia: The patient experiences a strong fear of open spaces, crowded places. For example, in public transport, on an aeroplane, in a crowd.
Selective mutism: It is a situationally determined loss of the ability to speak. This type of anxiety disorder occurs in children. Children communicate normally with family members, but do not speak in public places, such as in a kindergarten.
Signs and symptoms of anxiety disorder
The main symptom is excessive fear or anxiety. There may also be problems concentrating and sleeping. Common symptoms include:
Panic;
Fussiness;
Doom;
Sense of danger;
Sleep problems;
Anxiety;
Fear;
Feeling of shortness of breath;
Lump in the throat;
Increased heart rate;
The patient thinks about the problem over and over again and is unable to stop;
Inability to concentrate;
Avoidance of fearful objects or places.
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Diagnosis of anxiety disorder
The diagnosis is based on a patient interview, signs and symptoms of the disorder. There are no specific laboratory tests or instrumental research methods that could help the doctor clarify the diagnosis. There are a number of scales and tests for suspected anxiety disorder:
Beck scale.
Hamilton scale.
Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale.
Zung scale.
Treatment of anxiety disorders
If symptoms appear, it is recommended to consult a specialist. Only a doctor can recommend the correct therapy for anxiety disorder, based on current clinical guidelines. It may take some time to develop the right treatment plan that suits a particular patient.
For most people, a combination of methods is best. Treatment is aimed at helping the patient control and manage their emotions, and not the other way around. Treatment includes:
Medication
There are many medications that can help reduce anxiety symptoms. The pills affect the “brain chemistry” by eliminating the imbalance of neurotransmitters. Only a doctor can choose the right treatment regimen.
The drug should be taken strictly according to the specialist’s recommendation. It is also important not to violate the schedule of repeat doses and to inform the doctor about any side effects that occur while taking the drug.
Psychotherapy
This is a type of counseling that helps the patient learn how emotions affect their behavior. A qualified mental health professional will listen and talk about the patient’s thoughts and feelings, and offer ways to understand them and cope with anxiety.
Cognitive behavioral therapy
This common type of psychotherapy teaches the patient how to turn negative or panic-inducing thoughts and behaviors into positive ones. The patient learns how to approach fearful situations with caution and cope with them without anxiety.
There are a number of tips that can help a patient manage anxiety symptoms:
Learn as much as you can about your disorder. Don't hesitate to ask your doctor any questions you may have.
Stick to your treatment plan.
Reduce your consumption of coffee, tea, and energy drinks containing caffeine.
Do not drink alcohol.
Eat right and exercise. Fast-paced aerobic exercise, such as running and cycling, helps combat chronic stress and improve your mood.
Don't skimp on sleep.
Learn to relax. Meditation, for example, will help with this.
Keep a journal. Write down your thoughts and impressions at the end of the day. You will be surprised how much it will help you relax and fall asleep faster.
Manage your negative thoughts. Cognitive behavioral therapy can teach you how to redirect your thoughts.
Evaluate your information flows: television, radio, social networks. Limit the flow of negative information and try to increase the flow of positive information.
Communicate more with people, meet with friends.
















