Anticipating a danger or feeling anxious is not always a bad thing. While anxiety can feel overwhelming, it is a sign the mind and body are working together to ensure safety.

People with anxiety disorders experience tension, nervousness, and worry so often and intensely, that it can affect their daily lives. A person with anxiety disorders may be worried about a number of things at once or a specific object or idea. According to large-scale studies, as many as 33% of the people on earth suffer from anxiety disorders.

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Learn about anxiety and the best treatments.

What is anxiety?

According to the American Psychiatric Association, anxiety is the expectation that a danger will happen in the future. Anxiety is often accompanied by muscle tension, avoidance behavior, and a sense of dread. Anxiety can be a very common emotion. Maggie Grindrod, a social worker with a master's degree at Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital is located in Virginia Beach. She claims that anxiety is her biggest concern in her practice. Everyone experiences anxiety, which is healthy and normal. Anxiety is an indication that your body's alertness and warning system is in action.

She continues, "When your body tells you that you are anxious, it will show you anxiety symptoms like apprehension, worry, restlessness or physical symptoms such as an increased heartbeat or sweating or shortness of breath. Listen to your body.

What are anxiety disorders and what causes them?

An anxiety disorder is different from occasional anxiety. Grindrod states that anxiety disorders are a mental state in which "anxiety or fear is so intense it interferes with the ability of a person to live his life." Anxiety disorders can include any of the following.

Generalized anxiety disorder

Panic disorder

Social anxiety disorder

Phobias

Anxiety Disorders symptoms

According to the American Psychiatric Association (APA), people with generalized anxieties may display the following symptoms.

Restlessness

Feeling on edge

Fatigue

Concentration problems

Muscle tension

Sleeping disorders

Panic disorders are marked by recurrent panic attacks. You may experience a racing pulse, trembling or a feeling of shortness of breath. A person with phobias will avoid certain situations or objects to the extreme.

What causes anxiety disorders in people?

Although researchers and doctors do not know what causes anxiety disorders in patients, studies suggest the following factors may be involved:

Family history of mental illness

Divorce or widowhood?

Low income or low formal education

A substance abuse disorder

The personality of someone who is very reactive to new things, people or experiences

Introversion or shyness is a character trait.

Chronic health problems are common.

Grindrod states, "The people is overwhelmed." "All people. We don't know how to handle the physical manifestations and boundaries of stress in our personal and work lives. We are unable to prioritize the work required for mental health and wellness due to personal and financial issues. It can lead to feelings of anxiety or panic.

Anxiety Disorders

There are many types of anxiety disorders.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder

According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), generalized anxiety disorder can be characterized by a persistent sense of anxiety or dread that interferes with everyday activities. GAD is more than just a bad mood. It can last for months or even years. GAD is diagnosed by excessive anxiety and worry for more than 50% of the day for at least 6 months.

According to NIMH, GAD can manifest as:

Feeling tired and drained all the time

Feeling tense or irritable?

Concentration problems

Feeling irritable

Unexplained pains such as headaches, stomachaches and muscle aches

You may have trouble controlling your anxiety

Sleep disorders, insomnia and difficulties falling asleep

Panic Disorder

People with panic disorders have frequent panic episodes. Panic attacks can be sudden feelings of fear or loss of control.

Tingling or trembling of the extremities

Chest pain

A racing heart

Sweating

An occasional panic attack does not mean someone has panic disorder. People with panic disorders are always worried about panic attacks and tend to avoid situations that could trigger them. According to the NIMH, panic attacks can occur up to a few times a week in people with panic disorder.

Social Anxiety Disorder

The social anxiety disorder is marked by a fear of being judged or observed. It can be difficult for someone to leave their home, to go to school, or to work.

Phobias, and Disorders Related to It

Phobias are marked by a fear of dread for something or someone. These phobias can be accompanied by feelings that are out of proportion to the danger.

Diagnosing an anxiety disorder

A person who wishes to be diagnosed as having anxiety disorder should consult their primary doctor and a mental specialist.

A general practitioner may perform a physical exam, ask about your symptoms and suggest a blood-test to rule out hypothyroidism, which could be causing your anxiety symptoms. Your medications such as cyclosporine or levodopa may be discussed. It is important to have a complete health history, because certain conditions such as sleep apnea can cause anxiety.They can also recommend and provide treatment options, such as talk therapy or a href="https://www.forbes.com/health/mind/best-online-therapy/"online therapy/a, while a psychiatrist can prescribe anxiety medication. You can also get treatment through online counseling or talking therapy. A psychiatrist can prescribe anti-anxiety medications.

What are the signs of anxiety disorder?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, you may be suffering from generalized anxiety disorder.Uncontrollable worry that is causing emotional stress

Worry can make it difficult to focus on your work or relationships.

Talk to a professional about your anxiety and worry if it's affecting your everyday life.