Symptoms of Anxiety Disorders
People with anxiety disorders suffer from overwhelming feelings of worry, panic,
or fear that interfere with their ability to function.
Symptoms vary, but many anxiety sufferers report:
• Feeling tense
• Insomnia or trouble sleeping
• Increased heart rate
• A sense of impending doom
• Low energy
• Inability to focus
• Gastrointestinal problems
• Inability to focus
Most anxiety sufferers also report an overwhelming desire to avoid anxiety-producing situations, leading to social withdrawal, lifestyle changes, and even depression.
Types of Anxiety Disorders
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder
This is most commonly described as a persistent feeling of worry about everyday events and circumstances. The worries can be disproportionate to the actual problems. Individuals with GAD report difficulty managing their symptoms. Symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder can include:
• Tension
• Fatigue
• Irritability
• Inability to focus
• Forgetfulness
• Stress-induced muscle pain (chronic backache, sore shoulders)
• Insomnia
Panic disorder involves sudden, overwhelming feelings of anxiety and fear, which can be both recurring and unpredictable. Though a panic attack often doesn’t last long, the experience is so frightening that individuals avoid potentially triggering situations. Symptoms can include:
• Hyperventilation
• Chest pain
• Heart palpitations
• Nausea & dizziness
• Shaking
• Sweating
• Feeling disconnected to one’s surroundings
Social Anxiety is an overwhelming fear of being judged, ridiculed or otherwise rejected by others in social situations. Social Anxiety Disorder is more intense than ordinary shyness and can cause the sufferer to avoid social situations such as job interviews, social obligations and performance situations. Participating in feared social situations can cause severe, symptoms, including:
• Difficulty breathing
• Tremors
• Nausea
• Blank mind
• Dizziness
• Sweating
• Tension
Phobias are feelings of overwhelming fear and anxiety related to specific situations, activities, people, animals, or things. The fear is out of proportion to any danger or risk.
Phobias such as fear of heights (acrophobia) or fear of crowds and situations where one may not be able to easily escape (agoraphobia) can significantly hinder a person from working, socializing, or participating in other activities which most people enjoy.
- Symptoms common to phobias include:
• Irrational fear
• Avoidance of the trigger which causes the fear
• Physical symptoms such as shaking, racing heart, nausea, and feeling panicked
• Physical symptoms similar to panic disorder. However, unlike panic attacks, phobias have specific triggers.
- Treatment for Anxiety Disorders
Treatment for anxiety disorders is individualized to each client’s unique experience. Some people suffer from more than one mental health condition, such as depression combined with social anxiety or panic disorder. Clients respond best when treatment involves a combination of therapy, as well as lifestyle modification. In some cases. clients may also work with their doctor to find an anti-anxiety medication that works for them.
When you come to Beautiful mind clinic for help with an anxiety disorder, our experienced and dedicated staff of mental health professionals will guide you through treatment, helping you to go beyond symptom reduction to achieve your full potential for a balanced, healthy and joyful life.
Many people with anxiety disorders suffer for years before seeking treatment. But we are here to help.
