What is Anxiety? What are the Symptoms of Anxiety?

What is anxiety and what are its symptoms? How to overcome anxiety disorder? We have answered your questions with our informative content about anxiety symptoms and causes. Here are the answers to all your questions about the subject!

 

Due to the increasing psychological disorders day by day, the answers to questions such as “what is anxiety?” and “what is anxiety disorder?” are frequently wondered. So, what does anxiety mean? Anxiety is an emotional state that causes the individual to feel constantly worried, afraid and tense. It is actually a common emotional reaction among the public. It usually occurs in the face of danger or uncertainty and can negatively affect the individual’s daily life.

 

Anxiety can be short-term in response to a specific situation or event, or it can become persistent as a general anxiety disorder. Physical symptoms can include rapid heartbeat, sweating, shaking, and stomach problems. Anxiety can be managed with psychotherapy and sometimes medication, and support can be provided to improve the person’s quality of life. Psychotherapy is especially important in the treatment of this disorder.

 

If you think you are experiencing anxiety, you can get expert support and benefit from 2Face Psychology Beylikdüzü psychological counseling services.

 

 

It may be enough to follow some symptoms to understand anxiety. The following anxiety symptoms are usually followed closely to understand the disease clearly:

 

● Rapid heartbeat

 

● Sweating

 

● Tremors or shaking

 

● Shortness of breath or rapid breathing

 

● Dizziness or lightheadedness

 

● Nausea or digestive problems

 

● Muscle tension

 

● Fatigue or exhaustion

 

Anxiety can manifest itself not only in physical symptoms but also in emotional and behavioral symptoms. The most common emotional and behavioral symptoms seen in patients at the onset of this disorder are as follows:

 

● Constant anxiety or fear

 

● Restlessness or tension

 

● Difficulty concentrating

 

● Irritability or being easily irritated

 

● Avoidance behavior (isolation)

 

● Difficulty performing daily activities

 

● Sleep problems (inability to sleep or restless sleep, nightmares may also be added to the symptoms in the future)

 

● Thinking about disaster scenarios

 

 

The answer to the question “What causes anxiety?” is also a matter of curiosity. The emergence of anxiety can be based on many different foundations. Genetic factors play an important role in the development of anxiety. People with a family history of anxiety disorders are more likely to experience such problems. This disorder can occur chemically or as a result of psychological triggers related to trauma.

 

Chemical imbalances in the brain can contribute to anxiety symptoms and development. Abnormalities in the areas of the brain that regulate fear and stress responses can also increase the risk of anxiety. The stability of the amygdala is important here.

 

Environmental factors also play a large role in the development of anxiety. Traumatic events, childhood abuse or neglect, chronic stress, difficult life circumstances, and significant life changes (e.g., loss of a loved one, job loss, divorce, exam stress) can all lead to anxiety disorders. Being exposed to high levels of stress on an ongoing basis can strain an individual’s ability to cope with stress, leading to the development of anxiety.

 

A person’s personality traits and the attitudes they receive from their family can also affect their risk of anxiety. For example, individuals who grow up in families that are perfectionist, have low self-esteem, or constantly seek approval are at higher risk. The combination of both genetic and environmental factors explains the complex nature of anxiety and the differences between individuals.

 

 

Anxiety disorders are divided into several types, each characterized by different symptoms and causes.

 

● Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is defined as a person feeling constant and excessive worry, and these worries usually occur without a specific reason. So, what is generalized anxiety disorder, what are the differences? The most common and basic anxiety disorder is called by this name. It is possible to link all types of anxiety to this main diagnosis.

 

● Panic disorder is characterized by sudden and intense panic attacks, during which the person may think they are having a heart attack or losing control.

 

● Social anxiety disorder manifests itself with extreme fear and embarrassment in social situations, which makes social interactions and performance-requiring situations difficult. It is a condition that has a significant negative impact on a person’s life, especially in work and school life.

 

● Among other types of anxiety, specific phobia is defined by excessive fear of certain objects or situations (e.g., heights, airplanes, animals).

 

● Agoraphobia involves fear of crowded places or situations from which escape is difficult, which can make it difficult for a person to leave home.

 

● Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is characterized by recurring, uncontrollable thoughts (obsessions) and behaviors performed to relieve these thoughts (compulsions). Obsessions may develop over topics such as cleanliness, counting, and religion.

 

● Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) occurs after a traumatic event and the person may show symptoms such as re-experiencing the event, nightmares and hyperarousal.

 

Each type of anxiety has unique symptoms and requires personalized treatment approaches.

 

 

Anxiety disorder affects more and more people every day, but it is much more common in some people and groups. Women are much more likely to suffer from anxiety than men. Genetic predisposition and a family history of anxiety disorders are also factors that increase the frequency of anxiety.

 

The rate of developing anxiety disorder is higher in people who were traumatized in childhood, in those who were exposed to excessive stress and tempo, and in those with certain personality traits (for example, shy people). Individuals with other mental health problems such as existing chronic diseases, depression, and stress due to fast-paced work are also more prone to this disorder.

 

 

In order to diagnose this disorder, an evaluation is usually carried out by a psychologist or psychiatrist and the diagnosis is made according to the results of the evaluation. In this process, the individual’s medical history and current symptoms are examined in detail.

 

The specialist who makes the diagnosis will assess the frequency, duration, and impact of anxiety disorder symptoms on daily life. He or she may use a variety of tests and questionnaires to determine if physical ailments (such as sudden head trauma) or other psychiatric conditions may present similar symptoms. The diagnostic process is based on the individual’s personal and family history, severity of symptoms, and overall mental health.

 

 

There are many different methods that can be adopted for the treatment of anxiety disorder. Psychotherapy is usually used for anxiety disorder in adolescents. So, how does anxiety go away, what are the treatment methods? Here are the common treatment methods:

 

● Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): The most commonly used method in the treatment of anxiety disorders is psychotherapy. CBT focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviors. Since physical and mental relaxation is important in this anxiety-based disease, CBT is a very effective method.

 

● Exposure therapy: Allows the person to face the situations they fear in a controlled manner. This helps to reduce fear and anxiety levels over time. This method can be applied with the client’s approval during CBT. This method is especially used in the treatment of phobias.

 

● Antidepressants: Antidepressants, such as serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), can be effective in relieving anxiety symptoms. These medications can help reduce anxiety and protect against depression, thus preventing anxiety from triggering other psychological disorders.

 

● Anxiolytics: Medications such as benzodiazepines can be used for short-term anxiety treatment. These medications are considered only temporary solutions because of the high risk of addiction.

 

● Beta Blockers: They can help control the physical symptoms of anxiety (palpitations, tremors). These medications can be used with specialist approval, especially to eliminate problems such as palpitations and tremors.

 

● Exercise: It is also important to make lifestyle changes to reduce the effects of anxiety. Regular physical activity can reduce anxiety by increasing the release of endorphins. Activities such as yoga and meditation, as well as breathing exercises, can help a person relax.

 

● Healthy Nutrition: A balanced and healthy diet improves overall mood and energy levels. Reducing caffeine and alcohol consumption, consuming vitamin and relaxing drinks such as healthy herbal teas and fruit juices can be beneficial. Eating regularly with meals by balancing vegetables, carbohydrates and proteins contributes to psychological health.

 

● Sleep Pattern: Adequate and quality sleep is critical to managing anxiety. Developing regular sleep habits by paying attention to sleep hygiene is important for psychological health.

 

 

Questions such as “What is an anxiety attack?” and “Why does it occur?” are among the topics that are answered during the research of the disease. An anxiety attack, which can be extremely worrying for someone who is curious and unaware of it, is a condition characterized by a sudden and intense wave of anxiety. A person can experience this attack at an unexpected moment.

 

During a crisis, a person feels extreme fear, panic, or dread, and these feelings are accompanied by physical symptoms. Symptoms such as heart palpitations, shortness of breath, sweating, shaking, dizziness, nausea, and chest pain are common. The most common symptoms of an anxiety attack are shaking hands and breaking out in a cold sweat.

 

During a crisis, a person may experience fear of losing control, going crazy, or dying. Fear of dying is much more common in panic disorder and OCD diagnoses. Although anxiety attacks are usually short-lived, they can seriously affect a person’s quality of life due to their intensity.

 

 

Many people also wonder what the symptoms of an anxiety attack are. The symptoms of anxiety disorder, which usually make themselves felt before they occur, may not always be obvious. Stuttering, sweating, shaking hands, rapid speech, and constantly looking around can be among the symptoms that indicate an attack is coming. For some, regional numbness, sudden headaches and pains may also accompany these symptoms.

 

Many times, the crisis begins with shortness of breath or dizziness. Then, symptoms such as sweating, trembling, panic, arrhythmia and nausea make themselves felt more clearly.

 

 

Although it is difficult to think rationally during a crisis, there are some exercises and methods that people with anxiety should know. A person who thinks and feels that they are having a crisis should first practice deep breathing techniques. This technique can help the body relax and slow down the heartbeat. Taking a deep breath through the nose and slowly exhaling through the mouth can be effective in this process.

 

Distraction methods used by the person experiencing a crisis or by those around them, that is, focusing on activities that will take the mind off the moment of crisis (for example, concentrating on an object, solving a simple math problem, or humming a favorite song), can also reduce anxiety.

 

Positive and calming self-talk, that is, remembering that this situation is temporary and that you are safe, can help manage the crisis. In the long term, lifestyle changes such as regular exercise, improving the quality of sleep, and eating a healthy diet can also reduce the frequency and severity of anxiety attacks. If attacks are frequent, it is important to seek professional help from a specialist; cognitive behavioral therapy and sometimes medication can provide effective solutions.