Anxiety Disorders in a Nutshell

Anxiety refers to a condition whereby you experience fear and uncertainty, due to a myriad of reasons usually involved with transition periods in life. There are many different anxiety disorders, named for their different characteristics, but the general underlying symptoms is that sufferers tend to worry in excess about the little details in everyday life. For each anxiety disorder, there are different cause triggers, symptoms and treatments available, hence the importance of identifying the correct anxiety disorder that you are suffering from.

More than 19 million adults in America suffer from anxiety disorders, so don’t worry, you are not alone. Anxiety disorders are a more common problem than you might think they are. The different types of anxiety disorders include panic disorder, post traumatic stress disorder, agoraphobia, social anxiety disorder and generalized anxiety disorder, to name a few. There are many different treatments available on the market, and it is not necessary to have to live with the fear and uncertainty that anxiety disorders bring.

People who suffer from anxiety disorder seldom seek help as they either feel embarrassed about their problem, or they are unaware of even having a problem. Safe to say, if you are reading this article then you probably have an idea that you need help, and that there is help available. There are many symptoms that people who suffer from anxiety disorder experience, ranging from the physical to the psychological. These include having a rapid heart rate, sweaty palms and nausea, as well as inexplicable fear, loss of control and a need to flee.

If you frequently experience such sensations, it would be advisable to seek a professional opinion. If you are diagnosed with an anxiety disorder, there are different treatment options available to help you deal with your problem. These range from medication and therapy to alternative treatments. Some treatments include cognitive therapy, behavior therapy and medication, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and other drugs or herbal supplements.

It is important to understand as much as you can about your problem, and the possible treatments before you speak to your doctor. This will help you be able to ask the right questions and understand the treatment options that are being offered to you. Anxiety disorders are a serious problem as they can affect your life. Whilst it is possible to recover, there is no such thing as a quick fix for this problem. As the reasons for triggering your disorder are likely to be stress related, treatments should take the line of behavioral or cognitive therapy, and not medication. Medication will suppress the symptoms, but it is advisable to solve the root of the problem to prevent recurrence of anxiety disorders. Usage of medication such as Xanax is also likely to cause harmful side effects, such as hallucinations. 

If possible, you should explain your problem to your family and close ones so that they can help you cope with and overcome your problem. This will ensure that they understand what you are going through, and are able to provide you with the emotional support that you will need. Whilst the process of recovering is a long and tedious one, it is possible to live without anxiety disorders disrupting your life.