When tension and worry become excessive, it is important to be on alert, your body may be revealing a sign of anxiety disorder. Unlike fear, anxiety is persistent and forward-looking. As a set of diseases, it has several types, such as generalized anxiety, social anxiety, phobias, and panic syndrome.
According to the WHO, 264 million people worldwide live with anxiety. This 2017 figure alerts us to the care that must be taken and how this disorder deserves attention. Among those affected by anxiety, the Southeast Asian region leads with 23% of global cases, equivalent to 60.5 million people affected. In the European region, we have 14%, a total of 36.17 million people suffering from the disorder.
The fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) states that anxiety is related to muscle tension and increased mental alertness to future threats. In anxiety disorders, the feelings of fear and distress are usually not transient, but persistent. In addition, the symptoms interfere with normal daily activities – shopping, working, sleeping, etc. Turning an ordinary routine into several challenges to be overcome.
What is the difference between anxiety disorder and ordinary anxiety?
Anxiety is a common feeling when we face a situation of discomfort, fear, or insecurity. This feeling keeps us alert and prevents us from doing something without thinking. However, a lack of patience in excess can limit our actions and get in the way of many day-to-day tasks.
When the feeling goes beyond discomfort, generates exaggerated worry, prevents leisure time, and small things are a cause for tension, there is a good chance that this is a disorder.
The symptoms can appear in different ways. It is worth remembering that each type of anxiety has its own symptoms:
Even if you identify with the symptoms above, self-diagnosis or self-medication is not recommended. Professional follow-up is necessary for an assertive description of the problem and a detailed analysis of the patient. Through exams or other medical orientation, the professional will indicate the appropriate medication for each case.
Types of Anxiety
Even with a diagnosis confirmed by a professional, the work continues. There are different classifications of anxiety, such as: mild, moderate, and severe. Similarly, there are types of disorders, as classified by DSM-5 below:
Anxiety Causes
Through examination, questions, or other means, the attending physician will be able to describe more precisely the causes of the discomfort. Anxiety can be caused by endogenous (internal) or exogenous (external) stimuli.
Depending on the type of anxiety, the reasons that precede it can vary. Exposure to traumatic events can bring trauma that results in anxiety. Family history, poor physical health conditions, and personality traits can also contribute.
Watch out for people with excessive shyness or withdrawal in social engagement situations, they tend to be more affected with anxiety.
According to research in the American Journal of Psychiatry, this restlessness is related to genetic DNA variants. In addition to anxiety, some of these six variants are risk factors for bipolar disorder and schizophrenia
As natural protection, it operates as an anticipation of future threats, bringing about a behavioral response to fear. However, in an exaggerated form, it should be diagnosed and treated by a health professional, as the best way to identify the real cause and recommend the appropriate treatment.
Treatment for Anxiety
Because of its variation and several forms of manifestation, this pathology can be controlled through some continuous procedures, since there is no cure.
Some routine habits can be inserted for a better life with this disorder, such as time for activities that provide pleasure; meditation, and a healthy lifestyle with the practice of physical activities.
In other cases, this treatment needs a specialized intervention such as the following options:
- Supplements: Magnesium and lavender have evidence that proves their action in reducing anxiety. On the other hand, substances with nicotine and yohimbine should be avoided, as they can aggravate the case.
- Therapy: Known as CBT (cognitive-behavioral therapy), this therapy works well for many anxiety disorders, especially in conjunction with medication. Relaxation therapy also brings similar results, promoting well-being.
- Meditation: Already used to reduce physical signs of stress, meditation can reduce symptoms of mild anxiety. According to the 2018 research, the effects of mindfulness exercises as an autonomic intervention on anxiety and depression symptoms bring good results.
- Exercises: Aerobic exercises, such as running, are of great help to sufferers of clinical anxiety, and high-intensity exercises are the most effective. Compared to therapy, they have similar results, but at a lower rate compared to medication.
- Diet: It can be difficult to measure the influence of diet in fighting anxiety, however, it is notable that foods can benefit mood in the short term and a healthy diet can help in many ways in the long term. Mediterranean-style diets come out ahead, with evidence of mood improvement, are useful for those who wish to combat anxiety in a tasty way.
- Medication: In anxiety disorders, it is common for medications to work more effectively than exercise and therapy. Anxiolytic drugs, beta-blockers, and antidepressants are used to help relieve the body’s reactions.
The indication of the procedure may vary according to the treatment agreed upon between the patient and the doctor. However, the cause of the illness must be treated for good mental health, not just the symptoms. Anxiety attacks from Anxiety Disorder can arise, so be aware of your body’s signs and seek the best treatment for your condition.
