Anxiety is a feeling that everyone experiences sometimes; it’s a natural part of being human. But when this worry and fear is persistent and begins to interfere with your day to day life, you could be experiencing an anxiety disorder.
Anxiety disorders are the most common mental health disorders in America, affecting 40 million adults in the United States each year according to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America. You’re far from alone if you’re constantly feeling anxious.
What is anxiety?
There are several types of anxiety disorders, including:
- generalized anxiety disorder,
- panic disorder, as well as
- various phobia-related disorders.
Fortunately, they are all highly treatable. Some common and effective treatment options include therapy, anxiety medication, and lifestyle changes.
How is anxiety diagnosed?
The cause of anxiety disorders is often a combination of factors, rather than a single element. Some factors that could trigger this type of mental illness include:
- Family history. Some people may have a genetic predisposition towards anxiety. However, it’s important to note that having a family member with an anxiety disorder Treatment or other mental illness does not automatically mean you’ll get it.
- Stressful events. This can include a job change, death or loss of a loved one, changes in living arrangements, or relationship issues.
- Personality traits. Studies suggest that children who are perfectionists or like to control situations, are more likely to develop anxiety disorders as adults.
- Physical health problems, such as thyroid disease. Too much thyroid hormone can cause an increased heart rate and palpitations which are symptoms linked to anxiety. Conditions like hypertension, diabetes, and asthma are also associated with anxiety.
- Pre-existing mental health conditions, like depression. Symptoms of depression are similar to those of anxiety and can often occur hand in hand.
- Drug and alcohol use. Caffeine, amphetamines, and cocaine can cause anxiety symptoms. Withdrawal from drugs and alcohol can also cause irritability and anxiety.
Some symptoms of anxiety disorders that may help your doctor diagnose the condition include:
- Restlessness, nervousness, and excessive fear or worry
- Tightening of the chest and racing heart
- Persistent, irrational thoughts
- Trouble concentrating
- Avoiding things that trigger your anxiety
You can use these symptoms as a guide, but you’ll need to see a doctor for diagnosis.
If you think you may be experiencing an anxiety disorder, speak with your primary care doctor. They’ll be able to check if there are any underlying illnesses that may be contributing to your feelings and refer you to a mental health specialist if necessary.
Medical professionals that specialize in mental health and anxiety disorders are psychiatrists, which are medically trained doctors, and psychologists.
As medically trained doctors, psychiatrists can prescribe medications as part of treatment. Psychologists, on the other hand, focus primarily on treating emotional and mental conditions through psychotherapy and behavioral intervention.
Some questions you may want to ask your doctor about your condition include:
- Do I have an anxiety disorder? If so, which type?
- Is my anxiety treatable? What are my treatment options?
- Will anxiety medication help?
- Do I need any tests?
If you’re experiencing intense anxiety, it may help ease your stress to prepare for some of the questions your primary care doctor, psychiatrist, psychologist or mental health professional may ask you in order to confirm a diagnosis and develop a treatment plan. There is no lab test to diagnose anxiety, so answering these questions openly and honestly is essential to getting the best anxiety treatment.
Here are some example questions your physician may ask:
- Do you take any prescription drugs?
- What are your symptoms?
- Are your feelings of anxiety occasional or continuous?
- Does anything in particular trigger your anxiety?
- When did you first notice signs of anxiety?
- Do you regularly take drugs and/or alcohol?
- Have you ever experienced a panic attack?
Anxiety treatment options
There are various treatment options for anxiety disorders that can help you get back to enjoying life. The two most common treatments are:
- psychotherapy
- anxiety medications
Many patients experience great results using a combination of the two. Your doctor may also recommend lifestyle changes, such as reducing alcohol consumption, dietary changes, physical exercise, and meditation.
A popular type of psychotherapy, otherwise known as talk therapy, is cognitive behavioral TMS therapy. It teaches patients skills to change negative thoughts and behavioral patterns. These techniques can also help treat and prevent panic attacks.
The type of medication prescribed depends on the type of anxiety disorder you have. These medications can include antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications like Buspar (buspirone), and beta-blockers. Beta blockers can provide rapid relief of the physical symptoms of panic attacks, such as rapid heartbeat and sweaty palms.
Anxiety medications
There are numerous types of medications that can treat anxiety disorders. Your doctor will recommend which type is best for you based on your medical history, any current medications you’re taking, and the specific type of anxiety disorder you’re experiencing.
These are some of the most common classes of drugs your doctor may prescribe.
