What Are Anxiety Disorders People with anxiety disorders experience fears and worries in a way that is not proportional to the situation In generalized anxiety disorders, they are concerned about a wide range of situations They also experience difficulty in managing their symptoms The symptoms of anxiety disorders typically start in childhood The root cause of anxiety disorders is unknown However, genes and life experiences may be a factor Symptoms An anxiety disorder can be diagnosed when you experience excessive worry or fear, that is difficult to manage It can affect your everyday life Anxiety disorders include generalized anxiety GAD and panic They can also be a sign of obsessive compulsive disorder and specific phobias GAD is characterized by overwhelming and uncontrollable anxiety They may experience difficulty concentrating and may be constantly concerned about health, money or work The signs of panic disorder are short, intense bouts of fear or discomfort that happen without warning and can cause symptoms such as chest pain and heart palpitations, trouble breathing or dizziness People with phobias develop an extreme fear of certain things, situations or locations like spiders and public speaking, or spaces that are enclosed People suffering from OCD suffer from repetitive, compulsional behaviors as a means to manage their anxiety and reducing the associated feeling of discomfort or tension Post-traumatic stress disorder is characterised by a difficulty in letting go of disturbing, frightening memories This can lead to flashbacks and nightmares The causes of anxiety disorders aren't completely identified, but they may are caused by a combination of factors Certain studies suggest that a person's genetics and environment are both significant Generalized anxiety disorder, like, tends to run through families Childhood trauma or stressful experiences can also increase the likelihood of developing anxiety disorders People with chronic medical illnesses and those who use alcohol or drugs are more likely to suffer from an anxiety disorder Most anxiety disorders respond well when treated Psychotherapy, or talk therapy, as well as medication can alleviate symptoms of anxiety disorders Psychotherapy, for instance, cognitive behavioral therapy, teaches people new ways of thinking and reacting that can aid in reducing anxiety Medicines, such as anti-anxiety medicines and beta-blockers that are used to treat high blood pressure, may help with physical symptoms like a shaking or rapid heartbeat A healthcare provider will determine the most effective dosage and medication for each individual Being proactive in seeking help can make anxiety disorders easier to treat Diagnosis Most people have anxiety at certain points, for instance prior to presenting a speech or taking tests If the anxiety is persistent and excessive, irrational, and affect your daily routine it could be an indication that you have an anxiety disorder A mental health professional will identify anxiety disorders based on the criteria in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders They will inquire about your symptoms, and when they began and how long they lasted and if they're getting worse, or how they affect your daily life They will also test for any other conditions that might cause similar symptoms, like thyroid or depression Different anxiety disorders present with distinct symptoms Your doctor will identify the type of anxiety disorder creating problems for you and develop the treatment plan This could include medication, psychotherapy, or both Certain people are more at risk of developing an disorder than others This includes those who have a family history of anxiety or other mental health conditions and children who are exposed to or witness traumatic events, and those with certain medical conditions such as systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, or sleep apnea Anxiety is more likely be associated with other physiological or mental illnesses, such as depression or cardiovascular disease People with anxiety disorders frequently aren't able to admit that they have a problem, or seeking treatment This could be due to social stigma and a lack of understanding that anxiety disorders are a treatable illness, or limited access to care Anxiety disorders can be difficult to treat, but with the right support most people will be able to recover Talk to your doctor or therapist about the strategies that can help you cope and adhere to your treatment plan Use your medication according to the prescription, and take part in all therapy sessions Avoid smoking and drinking since they can trigger anxiety symptoms Be honest with your family and friends about your illness and join a group of people who share similar conditions This can help you cope and share your experiences with others Include your family members in your treatment plan, and try to end the cycle of anxiety by spending more time on activities you enjoy like hobbies or sports Treatment Certain types of anxiety disorders can be treated using psychotherapy, medication, and other complementary health practices Antidepressants and other benzodiazepines are used to treat anxiety Certain people have to test a variety of drugs before they can find one that works Caffeine, certain over-the-counter and prescription drugs, illegal substances and herbal supplements could aggravate anxiety symptoms or interact with prescribed medicines People should always discuss any changes in their medication with a doctor Treatment for anxiety disorders usually requires a combination of therapy and medications Therapy can help you cope with your symptoms, and help you change negative beliefs and thoughts that fuel your anxiety It can also help with relaxation and stress-reduction methods like deep muscle relaxation meditation, breathing, and deep relaxation exercises Cognitive behavioral therapy is among the most effective treatments for anxiety It teaches you to think and behave in a manner that decreases anxiety It can also involve exposure therapy, which is the process of gradually confronting the things that cause anxiety It could also include other health-related approaches such as acupuncture exercise, and mindfulness If you suffer from anxiety that is severe The doctor can prescribe a short-term treatment of benzodiazepines which work quickly to ease your symptoms If you're experiencing suicidal thoughts, you must be evaluated in the emergency department The medication may ease symptoms however they cannot cure anxiety disorders They don't eliminate the root causes of your symptoms, and they should be taken on a regular basis Some of the most effective treatments for anxiety disorders include pharmacotherapy with psychotherapy like cognitive behavioral therapy or exposure therapy You can reduce the symptoms of anxiety by practicing regular exercise, avoiding unhealthy foods and drinking alcohol in moderation Getting enough sleep and avoiding nicotine can help It is crucial to keep social connections and avoid loneliness because loneliness can worsen anxiety symptoms You can look through the ADAA Find-a Therapist database to locate a Therapist near you, or visit BetterHelp, a service that matches clients with licensed therapists for as little as 49 Prevention As humans we are conditioned to feel anxiety and fear in certain circumstances It is our body's way to prepare for fighting or fleeing from a threat When these feelings persist and start to interfere with daily life they are referred to as anxiety disorders Anxiety symptoms can be triggered by a variety of factors like genetics, stress and trauma The good news is that many people who have an anxiety disorder can overcome it with assistance of treatment The first step is to talk with your primary care physician about your symptoms Your doctor will assess your condition and recommend you to mental health professionals should it be necessary Psychotherapy and medication are two of the most effective treatments for anxiety disorders Talk therapy can help you understand how to manage your emotions and change negative thoughts that cause anxiety Medicines can help decrease your symptoms and help you to focus on healthy habits Some examples of medications that are used to treat anxiety include antidepressants, beta blockers, and benzodiazepines Relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing and meditation can also help to reduce anxiety Avoiding caffeine and other substances which can impact your mood could be beneficial Regular exercise can reduce stress If you are having trouble managing your anxiety Try to meet with friends more often or pick up an activity that keeps your mind off of 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 Some people who have been through a difficult time in their life for example, abuse in childhood or loss of a significant amount, could be more at chance of developing an anxiety disorder The USPSTF recommends that all adults including postpartum and pregnant women should be assessed for anxiety disorders The risk of suffering from anxiety disorders should be evaluated on a case by case basis, taking into account the individual risks and benefits In https//wwwiampsychiatrycom/anxiety-disorders of guidelines based on evidence regarding screening frequency, doctors should use their clinical judgement when assessing the risk factors, comorbidities and life events of the patient to determine if additional screening is required