Experiencing a certain degree of anxiety and stress is normal; It is a warning mechanism that our body has. But for at least 10% of the world’s population, anxiety does not go away and, in fact, can worsen over time. Fears, intense and persistent worries, terrors… can end up causing crises that manifest themselves with chest pains, difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, palpitations, fear…
Anxiety can have various manifestations and if we cannot keep it under control, it can interfere with daily life, preventing us from leading a normal life. Anxiety can occur at any age for a variety of reasons, including an illness that requires treatment.
Causes of anxiety
Sum of factors
Usually we cannot point to a single cause as the one that triggers anxiety. It is usually a combination of factors that causes this mental disorder. Genetics is one of the factors identified, as well as alterations in the brain.
Anxiety affects a slightly higher number of women than men and there are factors that increase the risk of suffering from it and have a very negative influence on the ability to concentrate. In serious cases it can trigger depression.
Certain personality types predispose a person to become more likely to suffer from anxiety, for example:
– Excessive shyness or always negative and pessimistic behavior pose risks.
– Hereditary factor.
– Having suffered traumatic situations.
Types of anxiety:
– Generalized anxiety disorder. It is characterized by persistent and disproportionate anxiety and worry. It includes physical discomfort and is often combined with other anxiety disorders and depression.
– Panic disorder. Repeated episodes of sudden feelings of intense anxiety, fear, or terror. You have difficulty breathing, chest pain and heart palpitations.
– Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). It is characterized by obsessions and repeated and distressing thoughts. Those affected perform repetitive or ritual actions. It usually appears in childhood or adolescence.
– Post-traumatic stress (PTSD). It is caused by a traumatic experience that causes terror after the danger. There are feelings that the trauma is repeating itself. It is disabling and also affects the people around the patient.
– Anxiety disorder due to illness. Intense panic caused by a health problem such as diabetes, thyroid problems, heart disease, chronic pain or respiratory disorders.
– Selective mutism. Inability to speak in certain situations and which usually occurs in children.
– Social phobia. Fear or rejection of being in society. There are feelings of shame, insecurity and concern about what others think.
– Substance-induced anxiety. Caused by drug abuse or withdrawal. It can also be caused by taking some medications or exposure to toxic substances.
– Separation disorder. It mainly affects children and the fear is due to separation or lack of direct contact with parents.
– Specific phobias. Desire to avoid specific objects or situations. They can cause panic attacks.
– Non-specific anxiety. Anxiety disorder that does not meet the exact criteria for any type of anxiety but causes alarm and disturbance.
Symptoms of anxiety
Wide combination of signs
Patients with generalized anxiety disorder experience very varied signs.
– Permanent anxiety.
– Excessive worry about minor problems.
– Inclination towards negativity.
– Continuous doubts.
– Feeling of not being able to overcome any problem.
– Inability to relax, feeling nervous and feeling excited or on edge.
– Difficulty concentrating or feeling of going blank.
– Fatigue.
– Frequent diarrhea.
– Gastrointestinal problems.
– Compulsive eating.
– Difficulty falling asleep.
– Palpitations or arrhythmias.
– Need to avoid situations that cause disturbance.
Diagnosis of anxiety
Psychology to diagnose
For cases of anxiety, doctors usually resort to various tests and analyses, including various psychological techniques that are essential to specify the patient’s ailment.
– Physical examination.
– Blood and urine analysis.
– Psychological tests.
Anxiety treatment and medication
Treatment depends on the level of anxiety
To treat generalized anxiety, it is necessary to find out what level of disorder the patient suffers from and this is measured, among other things, based on how independent he or she is to live daily and function without help. Psychotherapy, often accompanied by medication, is the most effective remedy for this disease.
The therapist schedules frequent sessions to see the patient’s progress and manage it in the most effective way possible. In parallel, you can take antidepressants and sedatives.
Anxiety prevention
Unforeseeable evolution
The disease has a very personalized behavior and is different in each case. This also makes it difficult to have the perfect recipe to prevent this disease. There are some guidelines that serve to prevent the arrival of this disorder as much as possible:
– Avoid consuming alcohol, drugs and tobacco.
– Act quickly and go to the doctor when you notice a symptom, no matter how small.
– Follow a healthy and balanced diet.
– Reduce stimulants like coffee.
– Sleep the necessary hours.
– Moderate but frequent exercise.
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