Additionally, several factors increase your risk of developing an anxiety disorder. We refer to these as risk factors. You have some control over some risk variables but not over others.
Anxiety disorder risk factors include:
past mental illness history. A co-occurring mental illness such as depression increases the likelihood of developing anxiety disorder.
sexual abuse as a child. Anxiety problems in adult life are associated with childhood experiences of emotional, physical, and sexual abuse or neglect.
trauma. The chance of developing posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which can result in panic episodes, is increased when one experiences a traumatic event.
adverse experiences in life. Negative or stressful life events, such as losing a parent when you were a young child, raise your risk of developing anxiety disorder.
severe sickness or long-term medical issue. Feeling overburdened and nervous might result from ongoing concerns about your health, the health of a loved one, or providing care for someone who is unwell.
substance misuse. The risk of developing an anxiety disorder is increased by alcohol and illegal drug usage. These drugs are also used by some persons to mask or reduce anxiety symptoms.
shyness as a young child. In childhood, shyness and withdrawal from strange people and situations are associated with social anxiety in teenagers and adults.
Poor self-worth. Self-defeating thoughts about oneself can contribute to social anxiety disorder.
Diagnoses for Anxiety Disorders
Your doctor will examine you and inquire about your medical history if you are exhibiting symptoms. To rule out other medical issues that could be the source of your symptoms, they might do testing. Anxiety disorders cannot be precisely diagnosed by lab testing.
In the event that your physician is unable to determine a medical cause for your symptoms, they might refer you to a psychologist, psychiatrist, or other mental health professional. To determine whether you could have an anxiety problem, those experts will examine you, use diagnostic instruments, and provide tests.
The duration and severity of your symptoms will be taken into account by your doctors when making a diagnosis. If your anxiety interferes with your ability to enjoy life or do daily duties at work, school, or home, it’s critical that you inform your doctors or counselors.
Screening for anxiety in children and adolescents aged 8 to 18 and major depressive disorder (MDD) in teenagers aged 12 to 18 is advised by the United States Preventive Service Task Force.
Treatments for Anxiety Disorders
The symptoms of anxiety disorders can be controlled and reduced using a variety of treatments. Individuals with anxiety disorders typically take medication and attend therapy.
Among the therapies for anxiety disorders are:
Drugs. Anxiety disorders are treated with a variety of medications. To choose which medication is best for you, discuss the benefits and drawbacks of each with your physician or psychiatrist.
drugs that fight depression. When someone has an anxiety condition, modern antidepressants (SSRIs and SNRIs) are usually the first medications recommended. Escitalopram (Lexapro) and fluoxetine (Prozac) are two examples of SSRIs. Venlafaxine (Effexor) and duloxetine (Cymbalta) are examples of SNRIs.
Bupropion. This kind of antidepressant is also frequently used to treat long-term anxiety. Compared to SSRIs and SNRIs, it functions differently.
more antidepressants. Among these are monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) and tricyclics. They are used less frequently because some patients may find their adverse effects—such as blood pressure decreases, dry mouth, blurred vision, and urine retention—to be uncomfortable or dangerous.
benzodiazepinesis for an extended period.
beta-blockers. Off-label usage of this kind of high blood pressure medication can improve symptoms if you’re experiencing trembling, shaking, or a racing heart. Using a beta-blocker during a severe anxiety episode may help you unwind.
drugs that prevent seizures. These medications, which are prescribed to treat epilepsy, are occasionally taken off-label to treat some symptoms of anxiety disorders.
antipsychotics. Off-label usage of these medications in low doses may improve the efficacy of other treatments.
Buspirone, also known as BusSpar. Chronic anxiety is occasionally treated with this anti-anxiety medication. It will take a few weeks for you to see complete symptom alleviation.
Psychotherapy: This kind of psychotherapy teaches you how your feelings influence your actions. It is sometimes referred to as talk therapy. An experienced mental health professional will listen to you, discuss your feelings and thoughts with you, and offer strategies for coping with your anxiety disorder and understanding it.
Cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT, is a popular form of psychotherapy that teaches you how to replace anxious or negative thoughts and behaviors with calm and collected ones. You’ll discover techniques for handling tense or frightening circumstances with caution and composure. A few locations provide family CBT sessions.
Handling the Symptoms of Anxiety Disorder
You might be able to manage or minimize your symptoms by using these tips:
Study up on your illness. The more information you have, the more equipped you will be to deal with symptoms and obstacles as you go. Asking inquiries of your doctor is never a bad idea. Recall that you play a crucial role in your healthcare team.
Adhere to your prescribed course of action. Stopping your medication abruptly can have unpleasant side effects and possibly exacerbate anxiety symptoms.
Reduce your intake of caffeine-containing foods and beverages, such as chocolate, coffee, tea, cola, and energy drinks. As a medication that affects mood, caffeine may exacerbate the symptoms of anxiety disorders.
Avoid using recreational street drugs and alcohol. Abuse of substances raises the likelihood of anxiety disorders.
Consume healthfully and get exercise. Jogging and biking are examples of brisk aerobic exercises that help produce chemicals in the brain that reduce stress and elevate mood.
Improve your quality of sleep. Anxiety disorders and sleep issues frequently coexist. Prioritize getting a good night’s sleep. Establish a calming evening ritual. If you are still having problems falling asleep, see your doctor.
Develop your ability to unwind. An essential component of your treatment approach for anxiety disorders is stress management. In addition to helping you relax after a demanding day, practices like mindfulness and meditation may also improve the efficacy of your treatment.
Maintain a journal. Before the day ends, jotting down your ideas could help you unwind and avoid having nervous thoughts that keep you up at night.
Control your pessimistic ideas. It is possible to lessen anxiety by thinking happy thoughts rather than worrying ones. Still, if you have certain kinds of worry, this can be difficult for you. Redirecting your thoughts is something you can learn to do in cognitive behavioral therapy.
Gather your friends together. Social ties, whether they be made in person, over the phone, or online, promote wellbeing and well-being. Individuals with close friends who encourage and converse with them tend to be less anxious in social situations.
Ask for help. Speaking with others who are going through similar symptoms and feelings can be energizing and beneficial for certain individuals. You can talk to people who are or have been in similar situations about your worries and accomplishments by joining self-help or support organizations.
Prior to using any over-the-counter medications or herbal therapies, consult your physician or pharmacist. Many contain substances that exacerbate the symptoms of anxiousness.
Prospects for Anxiety Disorder
Living with an anxiety disorder can present difficulties and frustrations. It can be exhausting and frightening to live in continual anxiety and concern. You’ve already started the process of letting go of the anxiety if you’ve discussed your symptoms with a doctor.
Finding the ideal treatment that suits you may take some time. If you suffer from multiple anxiety disorders, you might require different types of treatment. The majority of individuals with anxiety disorders respond best to a combination of medication and treatment. You can become well and learn how to control your symptoms if you receive the right care.