What Are Anxiety Disorders People with anxiety disorders experience anxieties and fears that aren't proportional to a specific circumstance or in the case of generalized anxiety disorder, about various situations They also experience difficulty in managing their symptoms The symptoms of anxiety disorders typically start in the early years of childhood The reason behind anxiety disorders is unknown However, genes and life experiences may play a part Symptoms Although everyone experiences anxiety every now and then the constant worry and fear that is difficult to manage and causes disruption to daily life may be an indication of an anxiety disorder Anxiety disorders include generalized anxiety disorder GAD and panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, specific phobias and post-traumatic stress disorder People with GAD experience uncontrollable and overwhelming feelings of anxiety most of the time They may be unable to concentrate and are often worried about their health, money or work The signs of panic disorder are brief, intense episodes of discomfort or fear that occur without warning and can cause symptoms such as chest pain, heart palpitations, difficulty breathing or dizziness People who have fears develop a severe fear of certain objects, situations or places like spiders and public speaking, or enclosed spaces People with OCD have repetitive, compulsive behaviours as a way to manage their anxiety and reducing the feelings of anxiety or tension People with post-traumatic stress disorder are having trouble getting rid of disturbing, frightening memories, which lead to flashbacks and nightmares The causes of anxiety disorders haven't been fully understood However they are likely to be a result of a combination of factors Certain studies suggest that genetics and environment are both significant For example, generalized anxiety disorder tends to be inherited from families, and trauma or stressful experiences during childhood increase the chance of developing an anxiety disorder Anxiety disorders are more prevalent for those suffering from chronic medical conditions or who use alcohol or drugs The majority of anxiety disorders are well when treated Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, as well as medication can help alleviate the symptoms of anxiety disorders Cognitive behavioral therapy is a form of psychotherapy that teaches people how to think and act in a way that helps them feel less anxious Medicines, such as beta-blockers and anti-anxiety medications that are used to treat high blood pressure, can relieve physical symptoms like rapid heartbeat or shaking A doctor can help determine the right medications and dosages for each patient Early treatment can make anxiety problems less of a problem Diagnosis The majority of people have anxiety at some point, such as prior to presenting a speech or taking a test However, if these feelings are persistent, excessive, irrational, and interfere with daily activities, they may be signs of anxiety disorder A mental health professional can diagnose an anxiety disorder by using the criteria in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders DSM They will ask about your symptoms, when they began and how long they've been present, whether they are getting worse, and how they impact your life They will also test for any other conditions that might cause similar symptoms, like depression or a thyroid condition Different anxiety disorders present with various symptoms Your doctor will identify the kind of anxiety disorder that is creating problems for you and develop a plan for treatment This could include medication, psychotherapy or both Certain people are more at risk of developing an anxiety disorder than others Certain individuals are more at likelihood of developing an disorder than others This is the case for those with a history of family members and children who have had or witnessed traumatizing events as well as those with certain medical conditions like systemic lupus, rheumatoid arthritis or sleep apnea Anxiety is more likely to be associated with other physical or mental diseases, like depression or cardiovascular disease People suffering from anxiety disorders typically have difficulty admitting that they have a problem, and seeking treatment This is often due to stigmatization or a lack of understanding that anxiety disorders are a treatable disease or a lack of access Anxiety disorders are difficult to treat but with the right treatment, many people improve Talk with your doctor or therapist about the strategies that can help you cope and follow your treatment program Use your medication according to the prescription and be sure to attend all therapy sessions Also, avoid alcohol and nicotine, as they can cause your anxiety symptoms to worsen Talk to your family and friends and join a group of people who have the same condition This can help you cope and share your tips with others Include your loved family members in the process and break the cycle by spending more time engaged in activities you love, like activities or sports Treatment Psychotherapy, medication and other complementary techniques can be used to treat a variety of types of anxiety disorders Antidepressants and other benzodiazepines can be used to combat anxiety Some people may have to try a variety of different medications before finding one that is effective for them Caffeine, some over-the-counter and prescription drugs, illegal substances, and herbal supplements may aggravate anxiety symptoms or interact with prescription medications People should always discuss any changes in their medication with a physician Treatment for anxiety disorders often involves a combination of therapy and medication Therapy can help you learn to cope with your symptoms and work towards changing your negative beliefs and thoughts that trigger anxiety It can also assist you to practice relaxing and stress-reduction techniques like deep relaxation, meditation and breathing exercises Treatment for anxiety can include cognitive behavioral therapy that provides you with new ways of thinking and acting to lessen your anxiety Exposure therapy is another option, where you are gradually confronting the issues that trigger anxiety It may also include other approaches to health that are complementary such as acupuncture or mindfulness If you are suffering from extreme anxiety, your doctor may prescribe a brief course of benzodiazepines with fast-acting properties to ease your symptoms If you have suicidal feelings, you should go to the emergency room The use of medication can ease the symptoms of anxiety disorders, but they are not the cure They cannot eliminate the root reason for your symptoms, so they should be taken on a regular basis Some of the most successful treatments for anxiety disorders combine psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy These include cognitive behavioral therapy or expose therapy You can reduce anxiety symptoms by regularly exercising and eating healthy meals, as well as drinking moderately Smoking cigarettes and getting enough sleep can aid Maintaining social connections is essential to avoid isolation and anxiety symptoms You can look through the ADAA Find-a Therapist database to find a therapist near you or visit BetterHelp, a service that matches clients with licensed therapists for as low as 49 The following is a list with preventions As humans we are programmed to feel anxiety and fear in certain situations https//wwwiampsychiatrycom/anxiety-disorders is the body's way to prepare us to fight or flee from a threat But, if these feelings linger and begin to affect our daily lives it is deemed to be an anxiety disorder Anxiety symptoms are caused by a variety of causes, such as genetics, stress and trauma Treatment is available for a lot of people with anxiety disorders The first step is to talk with your primary care physician about your symptoms Your doctor will examine your condition and, if necessary, refer you to a mental health professional Some of the most effective treatments for anxiety disorders are psychotherapy and medications Talk therapy can teach you how to control your emotions and alter negative thought patterns that contribute to anxiety Medications may help you reduce your symptoms and help you focus on healthy habits Antidepressants are among the drugs used to combat anxiety Beta blockers and benzodiazepines are a couple of examples Relaxation techniques such as meditation and deep breathing can help to reduce anxiety Avoiding caffeine and other substances that can affect your mood could be beneficial Regular exercise can also reduce stress Try to socialize more or discover a new pastime in case you're having trouble dealing with your anxiety It's crucial to understand that anxiety disorders usually start in the early years of adolescence or childhood and are prevalent in families People who have been through a difficult period in their life for example, abuse in childhood or a loss that was severe, could be at a higher risk of developing an anxiety disorder The USPSTF recommends that adults including postpartum and pregnant women should be checked for anxiety disorders The risk of anxiety disorders should be assessed on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration the individual risks and benefits In the absence of any evidence regarding the optimal frequency of screening, clinicians are encouraged to use their clinical judgment while assessing a person's risk factors, comorbid conditions and life events to determine if further screening is necessary