Anxiety Disorder

Most people feel anxious from time to time. However, anxiety can become abnormal if it interferes with your day-to-day activities. Anxiety is a symptom of various anxiety disorders. They can often be treated. Treatments include psychotherapy and medication.

Anxiety is "Abnormal" if it:

• Is out of proportion with the stressful situation, or
• When a stressful situation has passed, or when the stress is less intense, or when there is no stress.
• Appearance without apparent cause when no stressful situation exists.

WHAT ARE THE TYPES OF ANXIETY DISORDERS?

Anxiety is a key component of various disorders. These include,

• Panic disorder: Having repeated attacks of fear at unexpected times. In fear of the next panic attack, a person with panic disorder will live.
• Phobia: over-fear of a particular object, circumstance or event.
• Social anxiety disorder: Deep anxiety in social situations of being viewed by others.
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder: Recurring irrational thoughts that contribute to common, repetitive behaviors.
• Separation anxiety disorder: Anxiety of being away from home or those who are missing.
• Illness anxiety disorder: Anxiety about your health.
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): Anxiety following a traumatic event.

Signs & Symptoms Of Anxiety

• Physical symptoms- Hot flashes,restlessness,quick breathing,feeling intense, edgy
• Psychological– Excessive fear,worry,catastrophizing obsessive thinking.
• Behavioral– Avoidance of situations that make you feel anxious which can impact

Causes

• Anxiety disorders are caused due to the imbalance of chemicals like dopamine, serotonin or norepinephrine in the brain. Genetic factors and stressful life situations also trigger anxiety attacks.
• Anxiety can be linked to physical problems like diabetes, heart disease, alcohol withdrawal, drug abuse, asthma, thyroid problems, muscle cramps, spasms, and withdrawal from anti anxiety medications, tumors that produce adrenaline, also called as flight or fright hormones, and prickling and tingling sensation whose cause is not known.

Coping with Anxiety disorders

Involving your family and friends is a way you can cope with your anxiety. Talk to them and let them know about your fears. Their support will definitely make a huge difference.