Everyone experiences anxiety, restlessness and attacks from time to time - but if you constantly feel worried, tense or on edge you may have an anxiety disorder. Anxiety disorders are more than temporary worry or fear. For a person with an anxiety disorder, it doesn't go away and can get worse over time.
Doctors diagnose generalized anxiety disorder when patients have symptoms such as intense worry and three out of six of the following: irritability, sleep disturbance, fatigue, muscle tension, difficulty concentrating and restlessness -- for more than six months.
Anxiety disorders are psychiatric diagnoses that, by definition, are not caused by the effects of any substance or medical condition.
Examples of anxiety disorders include:
- Fear of open spaces - Generalized anxiety disorder - Panic disorder - Separation anxiety disorder - Social anxiety disorder (social phobia) - Specific phobias - Anxiety disorders induced by strangers
Some people are more prone to anxiety than others. And like many other health issues, genetics seem to be very important here. Some anxiety is normal, but if you have severe anxiety or worry too much, it's important to talk to a mental health professional about your symptoms. Psychologists focus more on psychotherapy and are not doctors. Psychiatrists are doctors who specialize in the treatment of mental health. Both psychologists and psychiatrists can diagnose and treat anxiety disorders with psychotherapy, and psychiatrists can prescribe medication.
1. Heart problems can cause anxiety
If you've ever had a panic attack, your palms sweat, you can't catch your breath - and you feel like your heart is going to beat out of your chest. And heart problems can be the cause of anxiety. People with generalized anxiety disorder are at greater risk than other people for heart or cardiovascular disease.
One third of people experience anxiety symptoms such as palpitations and shortness of breath after a heart attack. These symptoms often last up to a year or more and are more common in women.
2. Anxiety disorders are related to alcohol and drugs
There is a strong connection between alcohol and anxiety. Research shows that people with anxiety disorders are two to three times more likely to have drug and alcohol problems. But that's not all: alcohol or drug abuse can also lead to an anxiety disorder or attack. People with social anxiety who abuse alcohol are more likely to experience serious symptoms as well as other emotional and health problems. No matter what the primary problem is, the combination of drugs, alcohol and anxiety can become a vicious cycle.
3. Caffeine and anxiety
Caffeine is a stimulant—and that can be bad news for someone struggling with anxiety. The unpleasant effects of caffeine on your body are similar to the effects of a frightening event. Caffeine stimulates your fight-or-flight response, and research shows that it can worsen anxiety and even trigger an anxiety attack. One cup too many can make you jittery, jittery and keep you up all night
4. Medicines can trigger an anxiety attack
Certain medications have some nasty side effects - they can be what causes anxiety symptoms or an anxiety attack. Prescription decongestants, including thyroid and asthma medications, can cause anxiety. And if you suddenly stop taking certain medications used to treat anxiety, such as benzodiazepines, this can cause additional anxiety.
5. Preparations for weight loss
Many over-the-counter medications and weight loss products can cause anxiety. For example, St. John's wort, which is an anti-depressant, can sometimes cause restlessness and insomnia, and green tea extracts (which claim to suppress appetite) contain a lot of caffeine. Guarana is an ingredient that has much more caffeine than regular coffee. And beware of any product containing ephedra - it can lead to increased heart rate and anxiety.
6. Thyroid gland and anxiety
Your thyroid gland is shaped like a butterfly and is located at the front of your neck. The hormones it produces are important for regulating metabolism and energy levels. But if your thyroid produces too many of them, it can cause symptoms of anxiety, such as nervousness, irritability, palpitations and insomnia.
If you have these symptoms along with neck swelling, weight loss, weakness, fatigue or heat intolerance, ask your doctor to check your thyroid
7. Stress can make anxiety symptoms worse
Stress and anxiety often go hand in hand (stress can be what causes anxiety symptoms, and anxiety can make stress worse). When you're overly tense, you may smoke, drink, or use drugs—all of which make anxiety worse. Remember that stress and anxiety are often accompanied by physical symptoms such as abdominal pain, headache, dry mouth, dizziness and sweating.
If you have unexplained anxiety symptoms, talk to your doctor.
Anxiety disorders can be treated.
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