What are the symptoms of anxiety, how to manage it, and when does it become an anxiety disorder?

Anxiety is a natural part of human life, but for many people, it can mean more than just a temporary feeling of unease or worry. Anxiety can persist and significantly affect daily functioning, leading to questions about its causes, symptoms, and treatment options. In this article, we will look at what anxiety is, its common symptoms, why it arises, and when it might be an anxiety disorder.

What is anxiety?

Anxiety is a complex psychological phenomenon that manifests as an emotional response to various stressful situations or perceived danger. Basically, it is a feeling of inner unrest, fear, or uncertainty that can be mild or intense. It is a common human reaction that can occur in anyone in different life situations.

What are the common symptoms of anxiety?

Anxiety can manifest in various ways, including:

• Physical symptoms: rapid heartbeat, sweating, shaking, tremors, muscle tension, stomach pain, nausea, shortness of breath, dizziness.
• Psychological symptoms: nervousness, irritability, difficulty concentrating, fatigue, sleeping problems, catastrophic thoughts, fear of dying.

Why does anxiety occur?

The exact cause of anxiety is not completely clear. It is believed to be a complex interaction of genetic and environmental factors. Risk factors for anxiety include:

• Stress: Common life stressors such as work, school, family problems, or financial difficulties can trigger anxiety.
• Trauma: Past trauma such as physical or emotional abuse, accident, or disaster can lead to the development of anxiety disorders.
• Genetics: : Anxiety disorders are more commonly manifested in people from families where similar disorders already occur. This suggests that they may also be partially caused by genetic predisposition.
• Personality factors: People with perfectionist tendencies, low self-esteem or a tendency towards negative thinking are more prone to anxiety.

Who is most commonly affected by anxiety?

Anxiety disorders are among the most common mental disorders in the world. It is estimated that 4% of the world's population is currently suffering from some form of anxiety disorder. In addition to the factors we've described above, their occurrence can be influenced by:

Life factors: Stressful life events, such as trauma, difficult childhood, financial problems, relationship problems or chronic illnesses, can trigger or worsen anxiety.

Health factors: Some health conditions, such as thyroid disorders, depression, panic disorders or substance abuse, increase the risk of anxiety.

Demographic factors: Women are more frequently affected by anxiety than men. Anxiety disorders occur in all age groups, but most often manifest in young adults aged 18 to 29 years.

The impact of traumatic experiences: People who have experienced abuse, the loss of a loved one, a serious accident, a natural disaster or another traumatic event are more susceptible to anxiety disorders. These experiences can lead to the development of negative thoughts and beliefs about oneself or the world, feelings of helplessness and vulnerability, and increased sensitivity to stress.

Anxiety and physical health: Anxiety disorders are closely related to physical health and influence each other. Physical symptoms of anxiety, such as a rapid heart rate, sweating, trembling and muscle tension, can worsen existing health problems and vice versa. Chronic illnesses, such as cardiovascular diseases, respiratory diseases, diabetes and painful conditions, can increase the risk of anxiety and complicate its treatment.

It is important to emphasize that not everyone who has any of these risk factors will suffer from an anxiety disorder. Also, even if you do not have any of these risk factors, you may encounter anxiety.

How to distinguish anxiety from an anxiety disorder?

Ordinary anxiety is short-term and usually related to a specific stressor. Once the stressor is removed, the anxiety subsides. An anxiety disorder, however, is persistent and can worsen without an apparent cause.

What are the typical symptoms of an anxiety disorder?

Typical symptoms of an anxiety disorder include:

• Persistent feelings of anxiety and worry.
• Difficulty concentrating and remembering information.
• Irritability and nervousness.
• Sleep disturbances.
• Physical symptoms of anxiety such as rapid heartbeat, sweating, trembling, and muscle tension.
• Avoidance of activities and places that trigger anxiety.

What types of anxiety disorders can we identify?

Among the most common types of anxiety are for instance:

• Social anxiety: fear of social interactions, worry about judgment and criticism by others.
• Panic anxiety: sudden attacks of intense anxiety, accompanied by strong physical and psychological symptoms.
• Anxiety disorder: persistent anxiety and worry without an apparent cause.
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD): a type of anxiety disorder characterized by the presence of obsessive thoughts and compulsive behavior. Obsessions are constant and intrusive thoughts, images, or impulses that cause significant distress and anxiety.

What are the treatment options for anxiety disorders?

Recommended treatment for anxiety disorders usually includes a combination of sessions with a psychologist and/or medication therapy.

Sessions with a psychologist:

• Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most effective form of therapy for anxiety disorders. CBT focuses on recognizing and changing negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to anxiety.
• Relaxation techniques such as deep breathing and meditation help reduce the physical and psychological symptoms of anxiety.

Medication therapy:

• Antidepressants are the most commonly used medications for treating anxiety disorders. They work by affecting the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain.
• Anxiolytics are medications used for the short-term treatment of severe symptoms of anxiety. They are taken only as needed and are not suitable for long-term use.

When to seek professional help?

If you suspect that you have an anxiety disorder, it is important to seek professional help. A doctor or psychologist can help diagnose the disorder and propose an appropriate treatment plan.

You should seek professional help if:

• Symptoms of anxiety are disrupting your everyday life.
• You have difficulty working, studying, or maintaining relationships.
• You have panic attacks.
• You have suicidal thoughts or thoughts of self-harm.

Anxiety is a natural part of human life, but when it becomes persistent and excessive, it can significantly impact the quality of our lives. Seeking professional help early, whether through sessions with a psychologist or medication treatment, can significantly alleviate symptoms and aid in returning to normal functioning. If you feel that anxiety is disrupting your everyday life, do not hesitate to seek help – the path to improvement can start today.

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Important Notice:

This text does not replace professional literature or the advice of a doctor or therapist. The information contained within is generalized and may not apply to everyone. If you have any questions regarding your health, please contact one of our psychologists.