Anxiety Disorder: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment

An anxiety disorder can cause intense or persistent worry or fear that may occur without an obvious reason and interfere with daily activities. Common types include generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and phobias.

Anxiety itself is a normal, temporary response to stressful situations, such as giving a presentation, going to a job interview, or taking a test. It usually improves once the stressful situation has passed.

If anxiety symptoms are frequent, intense, or interfere with daily life, it is recommended to talk to a health care provider or mental health professional for an evaluation. Treatment for an anxiety disorder may include psychotherapy, medications such as antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications, or a combination of both.

Anxiety disorder symptoms

The main symptoms of an anxiety disorder include:

• Constant worry

• Difficulty relaxing

• Difficulty concentrating

• Trouble paying attention

• Sleep changes

• Confused thinking

• Headache

• Feeling easily tired

• A persistent feeling that something bad may happen

Anxiety can also cause physical symptoms such as a faster heartbeat, rapid breathing, and excessive sweating.

Symptom test

If you think you may have an anxiety disorder, select the symptoms you have experienced over the past two weeks:

This symptom test is only a screening tool. It cannot diagnose an anxiety disorder or replace an evaluation by a healthcare provider or mental health professional.

What is an anxiety attack?

An anxiety attack occurs when symptoms such as distress, fear, worry, or insecurity become intense. Although symptoms may sometimes develop quickly, an anxiety attack often begins gradually as a stressful situation approaches.

The intensity of an anxiety attack can vary. Although it can be confused with a panic attack, the two are not the same. Read more about panic attack symptoms and what to do if you experience one.

Confirming a diagnosis

An anxiety disorder can be diagnosed by a health care provider or mental health professional based on factors such as the type, intensity, frequency, and duration of symptoms  and how much they interfere with daily life.

Depending on the symptoms, the evaluation may also include a physical exam to rule out other health conditions that could be causing them.

Main types

The main types of anxiety disorders include:

1. Generalized anxiety disorder

Generalized anxiety disorder occurs when anxiety is no longer temporary and becomes very frequent, causing a person to experience worry and fear even in situations that would not normally be considered stressful.

This type of disorder tends to worsen over time, especially when left untreated. People with this anxiety disorder also have a higher risk of developing depression and other mental health disorders.

2. Panic disorder

Panic disorder is an anxiety disorder in which intense anxiety symptoms appear suddenly, occur repeatedly, and usually have no apparent cause.

3. Separation anxiety disorder

Separation anxiety disorder is more common in children and is characterized by excessive distress or worry about being separated from specific people, such as parents, other family members, or caregivers, or simply about the possibility of being separated from them.

4. Selective mutism

Selective mutism is a type of anxiety disorder that is more common during childhood and causes a person to be unable to speak to people other than immediate family members, such as parents or siblings.

5. Social anxiety disorder

Social anxiety disorder is an anxiety disorder involving excessive fear or worry about being judged or evaluated by other people, such as when going out with friends or giving a presentation at school or work.

6. Agoraphobia

Agoraphobia occurs when a person is afraid of situations such as being in open spaces or public places, or leaving home alone.

7. Post-traumatic stress disorder

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can develop after a traumatic event, such as a serious car accident or kidnapping, and may cause symptoms such as intense, persistent fear and distress.

Possible causes

The specific cause of anxiety disorders is not known. However, these disorders appear to be more common in people with:

• A family history of anxiety disorders

• Frequent exposure to situations that cause significant stress or negative emotions

• Health conditions such as thyroid disorders, heart problems, or chronic pain

• A history of experiencing a traumatic event at some point in life, such as physical or verbal abuse

People who are trying to stop using substances such as alcohol or drugs also have a higher risk of developing an anxiety disorder as a result of withdrawal associated with dependence.

Anxiety order treatments

Treatment for anxiety should be guided by a health care provider or mental health professional and may include:

1. Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy involves sessions with a qualified mental health professional and can help identify thoughts, emotions, and behaviors related to anxiety while developing skills to manage stress and anxiety symptoms.

Psychotherapy may be used on its own or together with medication, depending on the type and severity of the anxiety disorder and the person's individual needs.

2. Medications

A health care provider may prescribe antidepressants to treat an anxiety disorder and, in some cases, may also prescribe anti-anxiety medications. These medications should be used exactly as directed.

Examples of benzodiazepine anti-anxiety medications include lorazepam, alprazolam, and diazepam. These medications act on the central nervous system and can help reduce anxiety symptoms quickly.

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), benzodiazepines carry risks of abuse, addiction, physical dependence, and withdrawal. For this reason, they are generally prescribed with caution and should only be used under the supervision of a health care provider.

Natural options

Complementary approaches may help promote relaxation and manage stress or anxiety symptoms when used alongside treatment recommended by a health care provider.

These approaches should not replace standard treatment for an anxiety disorder and should be discussed with a health care professional, especially when supplements or herbal products are involved.

The main complementary approaches for anxiety include:

1. Healthy lifestyle

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can support both physical and mental health and may help reduce anxiety. Healthy lifestyle habits include:

• Exercising regularly
• Eating a healthy, balanced diet
• Reducing caffeine intake
• Limiting alcohol
• Quitting smoking
• Getting enough sleep

These habits can help reduce anxiety symptoms when used alongside standard treatment, such as psychotherapy or medication.

2. Meditation

Meditation is a practice that can help a person focus on the present moment and reduce recurring thoughts of worry.

According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), mindfulness-based practices may help reduce anxiety and stress symptoms and may also improve sleep quality.

Read about other benefits of meditation and how to start meditating.

3. Natural remedies

Some dietary supplements and herbal products, such as kava and ashwagandha, may be used as complementary approaches for anxiety. However, evidence for their effectiveness varies, and these products are not substitutes for standard medical treatment.

These products should be used under the guidance of a health care provider because they can cause side effects and interact with medications.

Also recommended: 7 Natural Anxiety Remedies (to Relieve Symptoms at Home) tuasaude.com/en/natural-anxiety-remedies