How To Tackle Anxiety? |Types, Symptoms & Treatment|

Everybody is dealing with some or other form of Anxiety Right? So let’s start with its definition in the beginning.  It is a natural and universal human emotion characterized by feelings of worry, fear, or apprehension. Though it is beneficial in certain situations as it helps us to identify potential threats and respond mindfully. The real issues arise when anxiety becomes overwhelming, persistent, or disproportionate jeopardizing your daily life. It causes a significant impact on our daily lives, relationships, and overall well-being. In this article, we are going to discuss what anxiety means, the different types of anxiety, the difference between normal and pathological anxiety, the symptoms of anxiety disorders, and the available treatment options, including medications and natural remedies.

 

 Types of Anxiety

Having discussed what anxiety means let us now proceed to how it can manifest in various forms in our daily lives. There are several types of anxiety disorders. Some of the most common ones include:

 

• Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

GAD is characterized by persistent and excessive worry about a wide range of topics that could be about anything from work, finances, health,  relationships or any other issues. Individuals with GAD find it difficult to control their anxiety and often experience various physical and psychological symptoms.

 

• Panic Disorder

This is a very common term that we come across it is marked by recurrent and unexpected panic attacks. It is accompanied by sudden episodes of intense fear followed by physical symptoms like rapid heart rate, shortness of breath, dizziness, and trembling.

 

• Social Anxiety Disorder

Also known as social phobia, this disorder involves intense fear of social situations and being negatively judged or scrutinized by others. People with a social anxiety disorder try to avoid social situations altogether or endure them with significant distress.

 

• Specific Phobias

A specific phobia is marked by an intense fear of a particular object or situation, such as heights, spiders, or flying. The fear is typically insignificant to the actual danger posed by the object or situation.

 

• Separation Anxiety Disorder

This kind of anxiety disorder is marked by excessive fear and anxiety related to separation from attachment figures which can be parents, caregivers or loved ones. While it is most common in children, adults can experience it too.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) are also considered anxiety disorders, as they both involve anxiety-related symptoms.

 

 How Much Anxiety is Normal?

Anxiety is a real issue and affects your daily life when you don’t address the problem. It becomes excessive, persistent, or out of proportion to the situation. Generally, anxiety is considered normal under the following conditions;

• Occurs in response to a stressor or threat
• Is proportional to the situation
• Resolves once the stressor is removed or the situation is resolved
• Does not significantly interfere with daily functioning, relationships, or overall well-being
• If anxiety persists or becomes overwhelming, it may be indicative of an anxiety disorder, and seeking professional help is recommended.

 

What Are The Symptoms of Anxiety Disorders?

 

Each anxiety disorder  has a unique set of symptoms We have listed below some common symptoms across most anxiety disorders, including:

• Persistent and excessive worry
• Irritability
• Difficulty in concentrating
• Sleep disturbances
• Muscle tension
• Fatigue
• Rapid heartbeat
• Shortness of breath
• Sweating
• Trembling or shaking
• Gastrointestinal issues

 

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Medications and Treatments for Anxiety

Taking professional medical advice is the best way to address anxiety disorder. Below we have listed some common ways by which anxiety disorders can be fixed:

• Psychotherapy: Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most widely researched and effective form of psychotherapy for anxiety disorders. It helps individuals identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviours that contribute to anxiety.

 

• Several medications are available to help manage anxiety symptoms, such as antidepressants (e.g., selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or SSRIs), benzodiazepines, and beta-blockers.

 

• Lifestyle changes like regular exercise, a balanced diet, and adequate sleep can all contribute to improved mental health and reduced anxiety levels. Incorporating stress management techniques such as mindfulness, meditation, and deep breathing exercises can help regulate anxiety.

 

• Using  Some natural supplements and remedies has shown potential in managing anxiety symptoms. However, it is crucial to consult a healthcare professional before trying any natural remedies, as some may interact with medications or cause side effects. Some common natural remedies for anxiety include:

 

•  Valerian root – It is a herbal supplement commonly used to help with sleep problems and anxiety. Some studies have shown that it may be effective in reducing anxiety symptoms, but more research is needed to confirm these claims.

 

•  Passionflower-  A herb traditionally used to treat anxiety and insomnia. Some studies suggest that it may be as effective as some prescription medications in reducing anxiety symptoms, but further research is needed.

 

• Lavender: Aromatherapy with lavender essential oil has been found to have a calming effect and is often known to reduce anxiety symptoms. Ingesting lavender in the form of a supplement may also help alleviate anxiety, but more research is needed to confirm its effectiveness.

 

•  Kava: It is a root native to the South Pacific and has been used traditionally to reduce anxiety and promote relaxation. Some research supports the use of kava for anxiety, but its safety is still a matter of concern due to potential liver toxicity. It is essential to consult a healthcare professional before using kava as a treatment for anxiety.

 

Conclusion

 

The bottom line is anxiety is a complex and multifaceted emotion that can range from a normal response to stressors to a debilitating disorder. Understanding the different types of anxiety, t, and common symptoms can help individuals identify when they may need professional help to avoid aggravating the situation.

By availing the benefits of various treatment options available, from psychotherapy and medications to lifestyle changes and natural remedies anxiety can be curbed by great means. It is important to consult a healthcare professional to determine the most appropriate treatment plan for managing anxiety and improving the overall quality of life. There are several medications commonly prescribed for anxiety disorders. It is important to consider that medications should be taken under the supervision of a healthcare professional, as they may cause side effects or interact with other medications.

 

Here are some of the most commonly prescribed medications for anxiety, along with reference URLs for further information:

• Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs): SSRIs are a class of antidepressants that work by increasing the levels of serotonin, a neurotransmitter associated with mood regulation, in the brain. Common SSRIs prescribed for anxiety include fluoxetine (Prozac), sertraline (Zoloft), escitalopram (Lexapro), and paroxetine (Paxil).
• Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs): SNRIs are another class of antidepressants that work by increasing the levels of both serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. Common SNRIs prescribed for anxiety include venlafaxine (Effexor) and duloxetine (Cymbalta).
• Benzodiazepines: Benzodiazepines are a class of medications that work by enhancing the effects of a neurotransmitter called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain, which helps to reduce anxiety. They are typically prescribed for short-term use due to the risk of dependence. Common benzodiazepines prescribed for anxiety include diazepam (Valium), alprazolam (Xanax), lorazepam (Ativan), and clonazepam (Klonopin).
• Beta-Blockers: Beta-blockers are medications that block the effects of adrenaline and help control physical symptoms of anxiety, such as rapid heart rate and trembling. They are typically prescribed for short-term use and are most commonly used to treat social anxiety and performance anxiety. Common beta-blockers prescribed for anxiety include propranolol (Inderal) and atenolol (Tenormin
• Buspirone (Buspar): Buspirone is an anti-anxiety medication that works differently from benzodiazepines and is less likely to cause dependence. It is prescribed for generalized anxiety disorder and may take several weeks to become fully effective.