Published on March 5, 2022
Anxiety keeps us on our toes and ready for a fight-or-flight response to an object or an event that could be harmful. On the other hand, excess or inappropriate worry and fears could interfere with day-to-day activities and qualify for an anxiety disorder.
Anxiety disorders – Symptoms
There are several types of anxiety disorders. Affected individuals may experience some of the following symptoms:
These symptoms may also exist in other conditions such as thyroid dysfunction or a heart disease. Thus, basic tests may be advised before the diagnosis of an anxiety disorder is made.
- A feeling of constant worry, which is often unrealistic
- Episodes of palpitations, sweating, tremors, restlessness, dizziness, digestive problems, feeling of suffocation
- Difficulty with paying attention
- Sleep disturbances
- A reduced ability to carry out day-to-day functions
The anxiety may be directed at a specific object such as an insect or a situation such as flying in an aircraft, a separation from a loved one or facing an audience.
Anxiety Disorders and Clinical Depression
Some people with an anxiety disorder may also suffer from clinical depression. In addition to the above symptoms, such individuals may also experience sadness, thoughts of worthlessness and guilt, and slowing of movements and thoughts.
Anxiety disorders – Treatments
Anxiety disorders are treated with medicines and/or psychotherapy. Anyone who suffers from the above symptoms should reach out for help so that they can control their worries and lead a productive life.
References:
Katzman MA, Bleau P, Blier P, et al. Canadian clinical practice guidelines for the management of anxiety, posttraumatic stress and obsessive-compulsive disorders. BMC Psychiatry. 2014;14 Suppl 1(Suppl 1):S1. Available under http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
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