ANXIETY Q & A
What is generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)?
Generalized anxiety disorder is a mental health condition that causes excessive anxiety and worry about many events or activities in your daily life, such as your health, work, and social interactions.
When you have GAD, you have anxiety that’s difficult, if not impossible, to control. Additionally, your fear and anxiety are severe enough to disrupt your life.
What is acute anxiety?
Acute anxiety appears in the form of a panic attack. Panic attacks come on quickly and often unexpectedly, causing intense fear and a strong physical reaction that includes:
- Heart palpitations
- Sweating
- Trembling
- Shortness of breath
- Sensation of choking
- Feelings of impending doom
- Feeling like you’re out of control
After one panic attack, many patients fear a future episode. As a result, they put considerable effort into preventing it by avoiding the circumstances, people, and places they believe could trigger the attack.
Why do people experience anxiety?
Anxiety is the feeling of fear or worry. It’s not only a normal part of life but also a critical part of human survival and what fuels your “fight or flight” response.
In many situations, anxiety is beneficial. It’s the motivating force that gives you the drive to compete, practice, study extra hard, or be meticulous in meeting your work expectations.
However, when anxiety creates frequent and distressing symptoms that interfere with daily function, it might be classified as an anxiety disorder.
What are some signs and symptoms of anxiety disorders?
According to the DSM-V (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders), multiple anxiety symptoms must be present for a specific period to meet the diagnostic criteria for an anxiety disorder.
Some examples include:
-
- Feelings of fear and uneasiness
- Uncontrollable, intrusive, obsessive thoughts
- Nightmares
- Panic attacks
Changes in sleep patterns
- Ritualized behaviors
- Perceived loss of control
- Thoughts of past traumatic episodes (flashbacks)
Patients often experience physical symptoms like heart palpitations, shortness of breath, chest tightness, digestive disruption, numbness or tingling in the extremities, and lightheadedness.
Are there different forms of anxiety disorders?
Anxiety disorders come in a variety of different types, including:
- Panic disorder
- OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder)
- PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder)
- Phobias
Looking at your medical history and assessing your current state of mind is key in diagnosing anxiety disorders.
Correct diagnosis helps your Diligence Care Plus determine the best treatment approach. Options include psychotherapy and psychopharmacologic interventions.
If your overwhelming anxiety interferes with your ability to lead a happy, fulfilled life, call Diligence Care Plus today or book an appointment using the online tool.
