Anxiety - Vitality Medical Center

Anxiety

Anxiety is a common human emotion characterized by feelings of tension, worried thoughts, and physical changes like increased blood pressure. Nearly everyone experiences some anxiety in their life.

Anxiety becomes a disorder when the symptoms become excessive, irrational, or impair daily functioning. There are several types of anxiety disorders:

• Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) involves chronic, exaggerated worrying about everyday life. People with GAD may have physical symptoms like fatigue, trembling, muscle tension, headache, or nausea.
• Social Anxiety Disorder involves intense fear of social situations and potential scrutiny or embarrassment. Someone with this disorder may avoid social events altogether. Physical symptoms like blushing and nausea are common.
• Panic Disorder features sudden, unexpected panic attacks marked by heart palpitations, shortness of breath, dizziness, or feelings of "going crazy." These attacks reach their peak within minutes.
• Other disorders like Phobia-related Disorders and Separation Anxiety involve avoiding specific triggers to minimize anxiety.

What causes anxiety? Experts believe anxiety disorders arise from a complex mix of factors like genetics, brain chemistry, personality, and life events. Stressful or traumatic life experiences may contribute to or trigger anxiety in predisposed people.

How is anxiety treated? Psychotherapy approaches like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) are very effective. CBT helps people identify and change negative thought patterns. Medications like antidepressants or anti-anxiety drugs may also help. Alternative and complementary approaches like meditation, exercise, or dietary changes also have evidence supporting their use.

The good news is anxiety disorders are highly treatable! Seeking professional mental health treatment is important, as untreated anxiety tends to worsen over time. With appropriate care and self-help strategies, most people with anxiety can dramatically improve their symptoms and quality of life.

Let me know if you have any other questions! Managing anxiety can be challenging, but help is available at Vitality Medical Center.