Anxiety is an emotion characterised by feelings of distress, worried thinking, and physical signs such as increased blood pressure. Anxiety disorders may elicit recurring intrusive thoughts or concerns. Individuals struggling with anxiety disorders may avoid certain situations due to anxiety. Physical symptoms may include sweating, quivering, drowsiness, or an increased heart rate.
Anxiety disorders go well beyond the normal nervousness and fear you may experience from time to time. An anxiety disorder develops when:
- Anxiety impairs your ability to function.
- When something triggers your emotions, you frequently overreact.
- You have no control over how you react to situations.
Physical symptoms:
cold and sweaty limbs.
Dry mouth
Heart palpitations
Nausea.
Numbness or tingling sensations in the hands or feet.
Muscle tension
Mental symptoms:
Nightmares.
Recurring thoughts or flashbacks of tragic events.
Uncontrollable and compulsive thoughts
Behavioral Symptoms:
Inability to remain calm
Ritualistic habits, such as frequently washing one's hands
sleeping problems such as struggling to fall or remain asleep.
Common types
Anxiety disorders are classified into several types, including:
- Generalized anxiety disorders (GAD).
- Panic disorder.
- Phobias.
- Separation anxiety
Anxiety disorders share characteristics with other mental health issues. Post-traumatic stress disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder are two examples.
Anxiety disorders can make getting through the day difficult. Fortunately, there are a number of effective treatments available for anxiety disorders.
Psychotherapy can assist you in dealing with your emotional reaction to the condition. A mental health professional walks you through steps for better understanding and managing the disorder. Among the approaches are:
The most frequent kind of psychotherapy for anxiety problems is cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). CBT for anxiety trains you to identify cognitive patterns and actions that contribute to distressing feelings. Then you work collaboratively with the therapist on modifying them.
Exposure therapy addresses the concerns that underpin the anxiety condition. It encourages you to participate in activities or situations that you may have avoided previously. Relaxation techniques and visualisation are frequently used in conjunction with exposure treatment